Taylor Swift (3/4 stars)

I’m a country-pop fan, with country-pop being defined as ranging from Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw to the Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill and yes, Shania Twain. I tend to prefer the female country vocals harmonizing with ringing strings, whether stummed, plucked or bowed. I chanced upon Taylor Swift performing on the Ellen Degeneres show, and loved the performance (reminded me of LeeAnn Rimes with a higher voice). Was lucky enough to find the Deluxe Edition CD/DVD 2007 rerelease and that’s what’s playing right now.

Taylor’s 16-year old voice is smoky beyond its years, and her songs have your classic country-lovelorn lyrics that seem to be far beyond her teenage ken. I like the album a lot, and it’s now in my iPod, shuffling along.