Martina McBride

Life is full of make-ups, breakups and rocky roads and Martina McBride documents it all on Shine. At her most upbeat, songs like "Sunny Side Up," "I Just Call You Mine" and "Don't Cost a Dime" have the sort of huge choruses and swelling arrangements that have become the singer's signature sound. But the most powerful track here belongs to the he-said-she-said downer, "I'm Trying," which recounts a lapse in sobriety over a lone acoustic guitar and soft strings. There's plenty more to like on Shine as well, making this one of McBride's strongest releases in some time.