Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

On her SMALL TOWN GIRL album, Kellie Pickler rushes out of the gate with "Red High Heels," declaring to a deadbeat boyfriend "You thought I'd wait around forever but baby get real ... I'm about to show you just how missin' me feels/in my red high heels." The strong country-rock beat and sassy tone are suited to the American Idol runner-up's perky country chirp; the track succeeds on the basis of its good-natured attitude more than anything close to brilliant songwriting or performance. One bright light in her songwriting is from "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind" ("that joke is too dirty, this steak is too thin, that car is too fast, this beer is too cold"). It's clever and funny, and shows Pickler at her best.

Is It Any Good?

3

Unfortunately, Pickler doesn't stick to material that allows her to strut her best stuff. Several cloying, overly slick ballads are several too many. "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You" is pointless and whiny and only serves to emphasize vocal weaknesses. "Wild Ponies" delivers a poignant story about a woman's emancipation from an abusive relationship, but the lyrics are so banal and corny that the message loses potency. Pickler and her producers might do well to consider the fact that you don't have to hit your audience over the head to get a point across.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.