Carlene Carter Stronger

Published Mar 04, 2008
"Whatever doesnt kill you makes you stronger is the cliché Carter quotes on the title track here, but she knows of what she speaks. From her early hell raising days (twice divorced by 21), this country rock wild child (the daughter of June Carter and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash) ended up with a heavy-duty drug addiction that nearly killed her a few years back (she was busted for possessing smack while in a stolen car in 2001). Along this highway to hell, she delivered excellent albums like her 1978 self-titled debut and 90s hits I Fell In Love and Little Love Letters. Stronger, her first disc of original material in 13 years, doesnt quite match their consistent excellence but is still a very worthy outing. Not surprising, moods of melancholy and reflection dominate, but its good to hear her rock out occasionally, as on "Im So Cool and "On To You. Carters voice lacks a little of its early bubbly exuberance but remains strong and convincing. Excessive strings taint cuts like "Judgement Day and "Stronger, but the musicianship and production standards are high. Its good to have her back.
(Independent)