Crystal Sands may turn out to be the surprise package of 2008. Crystal's self-titled debut album seems to have appeared from nowhere, yet contains some of the best pure country music in recent memory.
This 20 year-old sings with the soaring, show-stopping voice of Reba McEntire and the depth and lonesome feeling of Patsy Cline. Reminiscent of the perfect blend of fun and sincerity that Martina McBride conveyed in her early work, Crystal Sands stands out as a reminder of what country music should, and possibly still could, be all about.
Standout tracks are the barroom romp of Hank You and the weepy Bottle of Wine and Pasty Cline, along with the touching closer Under a Tennessee Moon.
However, throughout the album, the steel guitar and fiddle accompany Crystal Sands on a journey through time-honoured country styles, played with a deep affection, but sassy enough to be modern without having to resort to the highly cliched 'modern country' genre.
'Essential Listening' is a much over-used phrase, but in Crystal Sands' case it is entirely appropriate. This is a Five-Star recommendation. ~ SCM
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