Connie Smith by Connie Smith (CD, Oct-1998, Warner Bros. Records Record Label)

After marrying Renaissance man, Marty Stuart, Connie devoted most of her time to gospel singing and writing songs--many of which were recorded during her obvious absence from the C$W field. Her marriage gave her and her career a shot in the arm. This disc contains 9 self-penned tunes that hark back to her roots but never sound dated. Stuart lends a hand on vocals, writing, and playing on this fine comeback disc. He co-produced this disc as well. Connie then continued to record and move on. It is a testament to her unique singing ability to couple with a sandpaper-voiced John Prine on "In Spite of Ourselves", harmonizing, singing solo and around him when necessary to make the two duets she recorded work effectively. Stuart is better matched for Smith's talents on the track "Hearts Like Ours". The only offbeat track on this set is her original "Road To Tahrarrie" with it's Celtic feel. It's good song but this is a country recording and seems out of place. However, this only proves that Connie Smith is not just a country singer. She can sing pop, bluegrass, Cajun just to name a few and cannot be categorized or put in one music style despite the fact she found her success in the country field. And by doing so, she became the only rightful successor to Patsy Cline. They both have the chops and soulful versatility many peers and contemporaries lack. Smith has been vastly overlooked while her peers, Tammy, Dolly and Loretta got the star build up. This could be in part due to the fact that her instant stardom and the problems it imposed on her family, she chose family first. But there is no denying Connie Smith (as Dolly Parton) stated was one of 3 "real" singers and the rest are pretending. Connie has the ability to get deep into your head and heart and her impassioned singing hits like a thunderbolt. She has lost none of it here on this disc. She is more mature and gained a deeper husky quality to her voice that is quite sexy. She's textbook 101 for all the ladies who came after her to follow and learn. She sings from her heart without compromise and with conviction and assurance--a rare commodity in any musical domain. It's refreshing to get back to the basics of down to earth singing and that WEA has not forgotten the legends as so many fickle listeners haver a tendency to do over time, are to be commended for releasing this disc. Now--let's hear more from this great lady of song.