The album is offered as a collection of songs dealing with a woman's prespective of a troubled relationship, but for my two cents worth, it's a good collection of 12 really fine songs.  Of course, I'm a man, so what do I know, right?  That said, allow me to point out that Lolene wrote 6 of the songs by herself, and co-wrote another with her friend Suzanne Smith.  There is an excellent mix of songs amoung these tracks, some toe tappers and some slow ballads, and they're all pretty good.  I do have some favorites though.  
     First one I'll talk about is "What Am I Gonna Do", because this is a pure country, slow tempo ballad that would be perfect for close dancing with your sweetheart.  The instrumental work in the background is also pure country, with lead guitar, steel, keyboard and all being gloriously aided by one some of the best fiddle work I've heard lately.  The combination results in a song that just cries it's heart out right there in your speakers!
     I also liked the instrumental work the band did in "I Know Where You're Comin' From", especially the piano breaks.  I have often admitted to being a fool for a good piano sound.  Lolene had an excellent band behind her in the studio and some mighty fine sound work too.  It shows in every song in the whole album!
     Other "best of" songs are "The Deal's Gone Down" which has a hint of the blues showing through in it, "You Say The Word", "I Don't Mind The Rain", "Me Without You", and "You Never Come."  
     Want a general ruling on the album as a whole?  It's hard to beat an album with this many really good songs on it, and when you consider that this is Lolene's debut album, it's hard to see how she'll be able to do better on her next one, but I'll bet she does.  BTW, the next album is supposed to be out in early 2004.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Sometimes you just know. This is the voice of experience 
portrayed through a selection of cool melodic songs. There
is heartbreak almost coming through but held by her own
strength and place in the world. A very strong collection
but check 3/4/8/9 and 10..
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Hi Folks,

First of all let me thank Tanya &Alan of CMS for the opportunity to contribute to such a milestone in the history of Country Music in Scotland.It was a pleasure and an honour to review a CD by a rising country singer song writer called "Lolene". 

The Album entitled "lonely dealings" takes the listener on an emotional roller coaster ride. The warm sultry vocals of Lolene create the depth of feeling
Enhancing your journey.

Each song deals with differing aspects of relationships,Including all the complex issues that make this emotional journey one that can be easily related to.The traditional sound of the album has a contemporary feel as the sound of steel guitar and fiddle give it that real country flavour. At the same time there is a country rock influence often heard in the lead guitar breaks.

Lolene has written most of the tracks on the album and while the CD is her first, it will not hopefully be her last. Two songs stand out from the rest of this well produced CD, "slow burn" and "don't wake me up". Highlighting this singer superb song writers obvious talent. Looking forward to Lolenes next Album and wishing her every success for the future.

Keep a check out on this page for a more in depth interview with Lolene.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
This is Lolenes's debut CD and it is a very good one.Lolene has a great country voice and wrote many of the songs herself.Lolene's motto is "Country Music with an attitude" and you can pick that up in the rock influences you hear in her music.Her voice is very emotive and reminds one of greatness. 
  This CD was recorded at Bayou Studios in Nashville, Tenn.Produced by Colonel Buster Doss(who also wrote one of the best songs),who is a legend in this field of indie country music,winning numerous awards.George Clinton is the Sound Engineer.Danny Parks provides all of the guitar work and is the sessions leader.Larry Franklin(fiddler extraordinaire) provides the excellent fiddle work.The CD overall has a well balanced very good quality sound.7 songs are written by Lolene and the Colonel throws in a dandy and the other 4 are written by a variety of people.Most of the CD has a contemporary country sound with a lot of electric guitar and even some dual guitar breaks and rock sounding drums.Any nuances were left outside the door,this CD rocks.The one song that sort of breaks this mold is "The Man I Love"(Colonel Buster Doss)which is a traditional country shuffle,great song,band is really in a groove and Lolene is at her best sounding a lot like Patsy Cline.This is one of my favorites.A lot of the CD's sound reminds me of early Linda Ronstadt when she had Andrew Gold playing guitar for her and was at the height of her country phase. 
  Slow Burn-Great upbeat country rock number,great vocals,written by Lolene. 
  You Say the Word-this is a very nice country ballad with some great guitar breaks 
   I don't mind the Rain-Another Lolene written song,acoustic shuffle,great guitar and haunting peddle steel,great lyrics(my favorite) 
   Don't Wake me up-Great self written upbeat country rock ballad.Great Song. 
   The Deals Gone Down-upbeat southern rocker,great fiddle break,this one rocks 
    I Will-Beautiful Ballad,rock influenced-this is a very nice country ballad with some rock influences,love this song. 
    My advice is go to Lolene's site and buy it,this is good as anything coming out of Nashville today.I know,you are waiting for me to come out with my negative side of the CD,this sounds too positive for me.Well,how about don't lose it.It would have sounded better if it had been mastered,but the sound quality is excellent the way it is. 
God Bless-Jim
                            Read more...