Lori McKenna is the perfect example of the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The 38-year-old Stoughton, Mass., native and mother of five has written and recorded four albums since her 1998 debut, Paper Wings & Halo. In the past 10 years, she has become an underground sensation in the Northeast, playing small clubs in Boston and some surrounding cities.
McKenna’s big break came from Faith Hill, one-half of the greatest country power-couple ever. McKenna wrote three of the songs on Hill’s most recent album, Fireflies, including the title cut. Inspired by the songwriting, Hill, along with husband Tim McGraw, swooped in to place McKenna on the fast track to success by inviting her to join them on their ridiculously popular Soul2Soul 2007 tour. As one of the opening acts, she was placed in the spotlight almost overnight.
Hill also aided McKenna in her first major label release. Warner Bros. Nashville released McKenna’s fifth album, Unglamorous, in March 2007. The album was recorded in a smattering of two- and three-day recording sessions, so that McKenna would not be away from her family for long periods of time.
The songs are all written or co-written by McKenna and produced by McGraw and award-winning producer Byron Gallimore. The album has sold more than 2 million copies nationwide.
McKenna’s sound is a strong departure from the pop and rock-inspired country songs that currently top the charts. The 11-song album is entirely acoustic, with an occasional drum set and male back-up vocals. The album is reminiscent of the beginnings of country music, with heartfelt lyrics and prominent vocals.
The lyrics in this album are designed to be simple, just like the life McKenna lives. “I Know You” was written about her husband of 19 years, Gene, whom she has known since third grade. The music is rugged and reminiscent of the old, wild West, with cowboys riding off into the sunset.
McKenna wrote “Leaving This Life” as a release from the emotions she felt after losing her mother when McKenna was six. Emotion pours from her voice as she sings about how she does not “know what her skin feels like.” Listeners can imagine the pain of a young girl talking about the final memory of a car ride with her mother.
However, not all the songs are autobiographical. “I’m Not Crazy” is McKenna’s commentary on the simplicity of love. It is not the typical love song that has harps and choruses in the background. Pausing to listen to lyrics, such as “I’m not crazy. I just love the way you look at me,” gives a clear view of the meaning behind the tune.
Unglamorous is not a modern country album full of electric guitars and heavy beats. Instead, the pure, heartfelt vocals are the main focus with understated guitars fading into the background. The songs use honest lyrics to trigger thought and emotions, creating a simplistic concept. The album is soothing and a great way to unwind after a long, hectic day.
