A Gem
If you like Melissa Etheridge at all, you must own this CD. I borrowed it from a friend of mine, and now I need to go out and purchase it, because I can't imagine not listening to it regularly. It's fantastic. The songs are personal and meaningful with themes the listener can relate to. I absolutely love If I Wanted To - I think everyone's had at least one relationship like that. I love the way Etheridge manages to show her range on this CD, while creating songs that all fit together. There's no song on here that doesn't belong, and nothing I'd ever want to skip. The guitar work is fantastic and Etheridge's voice is in fine form. You really sense that this is her coming out album in more ways than one -- she seems totally confident and self-assured. The music we're getting here is true Melissa. This album, to me, seems like the more logical follow up to Brave and Crazy than Never Enough was - it takes the next step from what that album revealed about the artist. I've tried to pick out my favorite tracks, but they're all standouts. That said - don't miss Yes I Am and I Will Never Be The Same (one of her better slow songs).

The first track, "I'm The Only One," sets the tone with powerful bass and and a strong message affirming her love against all hostile circumstances. It is followed by "If I Wanted To" - a very high-energy song. "Come To My Window" is rather a let-down, but that may be because the radio stations tended to overplay it. The rest of the album is made up of high-energy songs like "All-American Girl," which is about the everyday life of a working-class single mother, and thoughtful vocal reflections such as "Silent Legacy," "I Will Never Be The Same," and "Talking To My Angel." Don't forget the title track either!

I find every track to be a gem in its own right, and do not hesitate to give album the highest rating. Coming out of the closet often means devastation to an artist's career, but Melissa has done what she has been always good at - great music and meaningful lyrics - to turn it into an even bigger message and success. This album may not have the subtlety of Melissa's earlier works, but it is nevertheless a great one... buy it and you will find yourself shouting "Lesbian Power" before you know it. Even if you are straight or male!

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