Kellie Pickler

American Idol darling Kellie Pickler lives up to her hype on Small Town Girl. Her hit "Red High Heels" sets the tone for an uplifting album of playful, country rocking songs. Where her predecessor Carrie Underwood tends to focus on narratives of faith and romance, Pickler's songs are more anthemic and appealing to those who want something to play while getting dressed up for a wild night out. Most of these songs ooze a Gretchen Wilson vibe with their honky-tonk Telecasters, grinding Hammond organ and roadhouse piano. But "I Wonder" proves she can ballad with the best of 'em.

This surprisingly good debut from the American Idol semifinalist is all "Red High Heels,"
missed family members and North Carolina spirit. In "Gotta Keep Moving," which has a cool
late-Seventies Kenny Loggins vibe, Pickler stops repairing her truck to reconnect with her
boyfriend; both of them, Pickler marvels in her game jet-fast soprano, will have "messed-up
hair." "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You" pines and speeds away like Tam... More >