Jamie O’Neal is making a return to the country scene in 2020 with her first album in six years, titled ‘Sometimes’. Stars and Guitars was lucky enough to get our hands on an advanced copy of the album, which is due for release on October 16th. I want to be the first to tell you, this album is definitely worth a listen. She gives longtime fans a little treat by including four remastered hits, now as duets with some of country’s most powerful female voices. The original tracks have a mostly early 2000s feel to them, dashed with a bit of modern flair. With the way country is leaning in a more pop direction these days, it was refreshing to hear an authentic country sound.
The standout track is the fast-paced ‘Closer to Closure’. The protagonist takes us through her journey from initial heartbreak of finding out her man is cheating, to moving on to something better. Of all the brand-new songs, this one stands the best chance of succeeding on today’s country radio. From a storyline standpoint, ‘Someone’s Sometimes’, a duet with John Paul White, is an excellent song. Everyone strives to find someone to love and wishes that they feel the same way. Both singers portray the heartbreak of finding out that the person that they want doesn’t reciprocate those feelings. As far as connection, this song makes me believe that both have felt this way at one time.
The four remastered songs were the perfect choices and the new voice enhanced what was already a solid foundation. As I listened to both versions, I could hear how perfect each new voice fits into the song. Of course the highlight of these tracks is her duet with daughter Aliyah Good on previous top 5 hit ‘Somebody’s Hero’. Good almost out-sings O’Neal on this track, and if she wanted to have a future in music, I’m sure she’d have no problem finding success.
Jamie O’Neal is one of the most underrated voices in the last two decades. While she found early success, her career did not stay on the trajectory it deserved. Hopefully this new music will put her back on the map. Be sure to listen to ‘Sometimes’ when it is released everywhere on October 16th.
