What The Critics Say
Facing 20, Jessica Andrews decides to open her music on her third album, Now. Her hold to country was always a little tentative, particularly because it seemed like she was signed partially because she was a teenage girl who could really sing during the height of LeAnn Rimes' popularity. Like Rimes, Andrews wants to leave strict country behind as she leaves her adolescence, but unlike LeAnn, Jessica sounds in control, having a clear idea of who she is musically and where she wants to go. Now is grounded in country, along with other American roots music, but it's held together with an inclusive pop sensibility and a polished, professional production that nevertheless retains its identity and keeps the focus on Andrews, whose voice sounds stronger and better than ever. If initial comparisons to Rimes did not fall to her favor, she now sounds more versatile and assured than her peer, but she goes even further with Now, crafting an album that straddles the country-pop and adult-pop line as alluringly as the best of Faith Hill, whose Cry pales in comparison to this record. Why? Because this is never stifled by diva ambitions. Because this has up-tempo and mid-tempo songs with character and color, along with catchy hooks. Because the ballads, while slick, still have substance. Ultimately, because Andrews is a hell of singer, finding her own distinctive voice and coming into her own, somewhere between Faith Hill and Sheryl Crow. If the production ever so slightly is a little too mature, a little older than her years, it's only appropriate because her voice sounds older than her years. But even if this does have an adult-pop bent, it's still done better than nearly any other adult-pop in 2003, and the times that Now does loosen up offer tantalizing possibilities of where Andrews could go next. And, no matter which way you cut it, as of this writing Now is one of the best mainstream pop albums of 2003, with only Kelly Clarkson's Thankful rivaling it in consistency and quality. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Jessica Andrews delivers an impressive sophomore album. Upon first listen, it's easy to recognize her very maturing talent. Her vocals are strong and convincing, her songs are snappy and infectious, and there's little sign of her being just 17 years of age. Producer for the second time around, Byron Gallimore (Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw) says "age is never an issue with her because of the depth in her voice." Truer words were never spoken. Everything from vocal delivery to production redefines what she gave listeners on 1999's Heart-Shaped World. Andrews' appealing new confidence comes through in just about all of the album's 12 songs, but the title track "Who I Am," "Every Time," "These Wings," and the vivacious "Never Had It So Good" make it worth setting the CD player for continuous play. ~ Maria Konicki Dinoia, All Music Guide
'Heart Shaped World'
What The Critics Say
When a 15-year-old Jessica Andrews debuted with Heart Shaped World, the most obvious comparison was LeAnn Rimes. The parallels were certainly there -- like Rimes, Andrews was a teenage country-pop singer with a wholesome, clean-cut, all-American girl image and the usual Nashville hype to go with her debut. But like Rimes, Andrews had some talent, charisma, and substance to go with the hype. Though Heart Shaped World isn't brilliant, the Tennessee native usually has decent material to work with. No one's going to mistake this CD for hardcore, Bakersfield honky tonk -- like Rimes and Shania Twain, Andrews specializes in a sleek, commercial blend of pop, country, and rock. But as much sweetness as she projects, Andrews isn't bubblegum -- when she digs into "You Go First," "I've Been Waiting for You," and "James Dean in Tennessee," you know that the singer isn't without an edge. And on Billy Burnette's ominous, bluesy "Hungry Love" -- the tale of a girl who has to grow up much too fast -- it's clear that Andrews is capable of depth. A few of the tunes are bland, but Heart Shaped World's best moments indicate that Andrews is someone to keep an eye on. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
