Jasper County by Trisha Yearwood BMG CD - Ships N 24h

Trisha Yearwood's first album in four years, 2005's JASPER COUNTRY not only marked a triumphant return for the popular country singer, but closely followed the announcement of her engagement to fellow superstar Garth Brooks. Impending nuptials aside, the album, named for the region of Georgia where Yearwood grew up, stands on its own as an excellent outing that balances country twang and pop-tinged melodies. Songs here range from the juke-joint rocker "Pistol" to the lively "Baby Don't You Let Go" (featuring the mandolin work of bluegrass mainstay Sam Bush) to the romantic hit single "Georgia Rain" (which includes Brooks on harmony vocals). Other highlights are the pleading "Try Me" (with Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn) and the rollicking closer, "It's All right," which ties up the disc in celebratory fashion. Wonderfully straightforward, JASPER COUNTY finds Yearwood in fine voice and avoiding overtly commercial leanings, resulting in one of her strongest and most well-rounded outings.