Shelby Lynne started her career as a country singer but found her own voice on the aptly titled I Am Shelby Lynne (1999). On that acclaimed record, she managed to combine her love for country with elements from jazz, soul and rock. The follow-up Love, Shelby (2001) also contained some strong songs but showed a more conventional rock sound, so the reactions of the press and public were mixed. Dropped
… by her label Island, Lynne retired to her hometown to work on new work in peace. The intimate Identity Crisis sounds like a reaction to the somewhat over-produced predecessor. Central to the soundstage is Lynne's beautiful, hypothermic voice, accompanying herself on the guitar, with the occasional help of some friends. The result may sound less refined than I Am Shelby Lynne, but this time too she knows how to hit the core of her songs flawlessly. Inspired by the idols of her childhood (Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Rodgers) Shelby Lynne delivers the most personal album of her career. (MS)more
