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Credits

Release Date: Apr 03, 2007; Lead Performance: Martina McBride; Genre: Country/Bluegrass
B+
By Chris Willman
Chris Willman
Chris Willman is a senior music writer for Entertainment Weekly

After a roots detour in '05 with Timeless, Martina McBride was drawn to tackle slightly grittier fare upon returning to her AC-crossover forte. Waking Up Laughing neatly adds some country-rock fiber to her usual sunniness, even if a few songs flag. ''Anyway,'' one of 2007's great singles, sets country's most powerful pipes against moody strings, ''Heart of the Matter''-copping guitar riffs, and a tough lyric that acknowledges the potential futility of even the most unswerving love and compassion. It's the year's most optimistic song, or the most fatalistic...or, remarkably, both.


Posted Mar 30, 2007
 

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