Allison Moorer releases her latest album, Down to Believing, through Proper Records. The album is produced by longtime friend and collaborator, guitarist Kenny Greenberg and was recorded over two years in Nashville while Moorer commuted back and forth from her home in New York City. Her eighth studio recording since her 1998 debut Alabama Song, Down To Believing is her most personal collection of songs to date...

Down to Believing contains 13 songs (47 min, 07 sec). It's a Country album for those that don't usually enjoy Country music - which is not to say that Country fans won't embrace it.

There's plenty to enjoy, and there's such a diversity from track to track that everyone will like/dislike different aspects. For example, I really enjoyed the mellow 'Blood', but really didn't like the track that followed, 'Mama Let the Wolf In'. I just found it a little too rock 'n' roll, and it felt a little out of place on the album. It was interesting to learn that the song is Moorer's response to the doctors formal diagnosis of her son's autism.

Other highlights include 'Thunderstorm/Hurricane', which you can almost imagine being a James Bond theme song; the beauty at the heart of the album's title track, 'Down to Believing'; 'If I Were Stronger'; 'Wish I'; 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain?'; and 'Gonna Get It Wrong'. But I think my favourite track on the album is the aforementioned 'Blood'.

The diversity of tracks is something to champion, if for no other reason than it allows Moorer to showcase the versatility of her vocals. She has a wonderful voice and allowing her to explore every avenue of it from the bold and brash to the soft and gentle makes it hard not to fall in love with this album.

9

Nick Smithson