Laura Bryna - Trying to Be Me (CD)

Strong voiced, modern Nashville country

By redtunictroll  Jan 24, 2008

Pros: Polished, strong voice, good songs

Cons: Mainstream Nashville sound is indistinct

Bryna's a formally trained singer (and dancer and actress) whose first musical love is country. After college and roles in stage musicals, she headed off to Nashville to continue her education and edge into the music industry. Signed to Equity (a...longside Clint Black, Kevin Fowler and others) she's issued a debut single ("Make a Wish," dedicated to the same-named foundation for which she's volunteered since childhood) and now her debut album. She's also become something of a fashionista, having struck up a relationship with designer Roberto Cavalli. Musically, Bryna sits in the center of modern country with some light electric twang and personable lyrics (crafted by Nashville songsmiths) of self-discovery, battered women, love, eloping and heartbreak. The kiss-off "Set it on Fire" sounds a bit like the sass of Martina McBride (though she pronounces "fire" in two distinct syllables like Pat Benetar and Jim Morrison), and the diary of a hotel room "Room 228" cleverly catalogs the highs and lows of those who've passed between its sheets. Even better is the Wynonna-styled blues of "Same Dog," the single woman's "No Man's Land," and Keith Urban's ode to broadcast's unique listener connection, "According to the Radio." The album has a good balance of ballads and upbeat songs, and though Bryna occasionally sounds a bit over-trained as a country singer, it's the music she clearly loves, and those who enjoy Nashville's modern sounds will find much to like here. [©2008 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com] Read more Less