Faith Hill's `Cry` appeals to Country, Pop, R&B audiences

Jolene Craig
Staff Writer

   Faith Hill mixes the traditional country tune with rock and pop sounds to create a new depth to her signature style with "Cry."

   As Hill's fifth studio album, "Cry," carries an edgier and new quality with every song to mature the country songstress and her music. The sensuous sounds of the ballads with the stronger nature of the rock tunes gives Hill depth she was missing as a Country singer.

   The new diva tries her talents at R and B with "One." This track has the traditional country song story about a relationship gone wrong with a strong rhythm and blues sound to give a different way of conveying the message. Hill's vocals melt perfectly with this sound to give her new masterful vocal power.

    "Free" brings a hard rock vibe to Hill's smooth vocals. The sound of this track ranks it amongst the power ballads of the 1980s. The strong electric guitar and drums with a slight country sound back up Hill's Southern roots.

   Techno makes a small appearance in "I Think I Will." This song of longing has prominent drums and an electronic sound that works as a great first try for her with this sound. Some vocals carry the electronic sound further to give it more intensity.

   A hard rock attitude comes with "If You're Gonna Fly Away." This song of wanting fits perfectly with the country heritage and the gospel choir in the backing vocals add to this sound.

   Hill's usual pop/country sound returns with "When the Lights Go Down," "Baby You Belong" and "Unsaveable." These songs will draw her old fans in and attract new ones.

   How it feels to be famous and being a normal person in the end creates the story around "When the Lights Go Down." The soft vocals and instrumentation show her signature style and strength.

   Soft and traditional country tunes bring in the audience with "Baby You Belong." This track about belonging with one particular person and how that feels has heart and soul without being over the top.

    "Unsaveable" creates a soft pop/country sound to be a prominent force of "Cry." This track about getting over love and loss with a different twang.

    "You're Still Here" makes itself the shining star of "Cry" with more hear and spirit than the other tracks. The full orchestra and strong oboe solo help make the story of longing and implied death more heartfelt and soulful than any of the other instrumental layouts on the album.

   Hill further proves her power in the industry and with fans. "Cry" is the best of her talent thus far.

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