Everything's Gonna Be Alright

by Thom OwensDeana Carter's debut album ,Did I Shave My Legs for This?, was a surprise hit, considering that its grace, subtlety, and wit were largely qualities unheard of in contemporary country in 1996, the year it climbed up the charts. It immediately marked her as a major artist, placing great expectations on her second album, Everything's Gonna Be Alright. Lacking the surprise element of Legs, Everything's is nevertheless in many ways its equal, since Carter has chosen to expand its sound, not to replicate it. There are more laid-back rock and pop elements to her style this time around, which fits well with her folky, melodic country. Even the presence of Lynyrd Skynyrd as the support band for "The Train Song" (earthy, not rowdy), works better than it reads. Furthermore, her songwriting is melodic and memorable, and her choice of covers, including Melanie's "Brand New Key," is inspired. As long as Carter continues to deliver albums as enchanting as Everything's Gonna Be Alright, things are going to be just fine for her and her fans.