Shania Twain 'Queen Of Me' Album Review
On February 3rd, Shania Twain released Queen of Me. Fans have awaited an album from the country queen since she released Now in 2017. This 12-song record is hand-crafted with bold style choices and some of the original ’90s twang we all know and love.
The album kicks off with “Giddy Up!," an upbeat song for a night on the town. Feel familiar? Old Shania Twain tunes from the 90s sound similar to this modern-day radio hit. This track embodies the best way to begin a comeback album: bold, loud, and unafraid. “Brand New” slows things down. The ballad describes the details of leaving an unfit relationship. The storytelling lyrics are relatable for anyone with a broken heart, stating, “Cause you’ll always be the same old you / But I’m a brand new me.” To liven it back up, Twain leads into “Waking Up Dreaming." This feel-good, dance tune shows off Twain’s style in pop music. Listeners can tell from the vocals alone that Twain had a good time creating this song.
“Best Friend” is the new “Thank You For Being a Friend”, but with more country twang and storytelling. This song says it all: “Just remember who you got / When you feel a little lost I'll find you / I'll remind you: that's who you are / You're my best friend, that's who you are.” Next, we get “Pretty Liar," a must-listen tune on this album. Right off the bat, Twain gives us some serious sass. It is incredible how Twain can go from an entrancing love song to quickly exclaim, “You're such a fucking liar.” With a song like this, it’s hard to follow
up; however, “Inhale/Exhale AIR” was the right choice to play next on the album. This 90s and early 2000s sounding track is a breath of fresh air. If you're nostalgic for Twain’s earlier songs, “Inhale/Exhale AIR” is for you.
“Last Day of Summer” is an overlooked gem on this album. It captures the feelings of the "right person wrong time" in love. The wistful mood makes the song even stronger. To help us get out of our emotional thoughts, Twain follows with “Queen Of Me," the title track of her album. This track is empowering, bubbly, and unlike any of Twain’s previous offerings. She proves that “No, I don't need a king, so keep the ring / I've got the gold in my chest (gold in my chest) / A heart that can sing / I'm a queen.”
“Got It Good” follows with a funky beat. This song seems to take inspiration from 70s disco tunes, relating to ABBA’s natural sound. “Number One" also has a similar disco sound. Unlike her classic country flare, this refreshing sound fits Twain well.
Back to her country roots, we get “Not Just A Girl." This song keeps it upbeat with its pop sound, yet stays true to the country genre with the sounds of a strong acoustic guitar. The album closes with “The Hardest Stone” which was produced by Tyler Joseph, lead singer of Twenty One Pilots. With this in mind, the song sounds similar to the bass beat style the group often uses in their music. This is unlike Twain’s typical sound, but she does it incredibly well. The lyrics are well said and deep, stating, “When will I learn / The hardest stone to turn / Is the heart?”
This record is a fresh start for Shania Twain. As listeners, we get insight into the different styles and techniques Twain is testing out and exploring. The album dabbles in everything: country, pop, disco-tech, and even alternative rock. This music isn’t a carbon copy of her 90s hits which is what makes it great: Twain understands how to adapt to the time and culture. Listeners should appreciate her exploration, dedication, and thought into her music. After all, all hail Queen Shania Twain.
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