Kellie Pickler 100 Proof Album Review

Why You Need To Listen To Kellie Pickler’s New Album Now!

Kellie Pickler‘s new album, 100 Proof released today! This is the first album we have seen from Pickler since her self-titled album in 2008, and it was well worth the wait. Since her American Idol debut, Kellie admits she has grown quite a bit, and this album proves that she is an artist in her own right.

“When I auditioned for American Idol I was not an artist. So from Idol to the first record to this record, I really tried to find myself because there’s a difference between a singer and an artist.” -Kellie Pickler

That evolution is definitely audible on 100 Proof, and I would like to give you the Top 3 Reasons why you should listen to (and possibly purchase!) Pickler’s new album right now.

Reason #1 Classic Country Vibe
One thing I hear a lot of country music fans say is that country music like they know it, doesn’t really exist anymore. It seems more and more that what hits mainstream country music stations is a fusion of pop, country and well, other things. These country fans who are aching for that classic country sound will be pleased with 100 Proof. While it isn’t truly traditional country, it is very much playing homage to that sound that a lot of country fans grew up on.

With heroes like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette, it’s hardly shocking that this vibe would be so prevalent on Pickler’s album. From the whining guitar on the title track to the twang in Kellie’s voice and the instrumentals on “Where’s Tammy Wynette” and “Little House On The Highway“, fans will no doubt be pleased with the overall effect. There is also a healthy dose of fiddle and banjo thrown in here and there throughout the whole album which is never a bad thing. Another clue that this album is rooted in old-school country is Kellie’s ode to the honky tonk with her “Unlock That Honky Tonk” track. One lyric literally pleads “Don’t tell me country’s gone…”. That one is definitely going to be a summer concert favorite.

Reason #2 Strong Voice
One thing I love about Pickler is her sassiness. She always seems to say just what she means, and doesn’t hold back. This same quality is evident in her music, and it is incredibly compelling. Her first single release off the album, “Tough” is a great example of this. She delivers the well-written lyrics with power and vocal talent that kind of makes you wanna throw fist in the air or give this girl a high-five! There’s also “Stop Cheatin’ On Me” which doesn’t quite have the same fast-paced power of “Tough“, but it definitely maintains a similar take-no-bull attitude.

Reason #3 Balance
Another reason to love this album is that it has a really good balance between fast-paced boot-scootin’ songs and slower-paced tunes. The previously mentioned “Unlock That Honky Tonk“, “Tough“, “Where’s Tammy Wynette” and “Little House On The Highway” are paired well with the other tracks which are mostly calmer. My favorite of these is “Turn On The Radio and Dance“. While the title sounds like a rowdy, concert worthy track, it’s really a sweet song that is easily relatable, conjuring images of easier times spent with friends relaxin’ and wastin’ away afternoons. At least, that’s what I take from it. I’m sure different people will be able to read different meanings into it. But that’s just another good thing though about the balance of this album. It offers a lot of options for different listeners.

Overall, 100 Proof is a really great album, and I will definitely have it on repeat for the months to come! Be sure and check it out as soon as possible, and let us know what you think!

100 Proof, Complete Track Listing

1. Where’s Tammy Wynette
2. Unlock The Honky Tonk
3. Stop Cheatin’ On Me
4. Long As I Never See You Again
5. Tough
6. Turn On The Radio and Dance
7. Mother’s Day
8. Rockaway
9. Little House On The Highway
10. 100 Proof
11. The Letter (To Daddy)

About MissMolly

Miss Molly comes to us by way of Memphis, TN, but was born deep in the heart of Texas. Always the organized and efficient one, she's a taskmaster and film extraordinaire who still finds time to write on the side.

One Reply to “Kellie Pickler 100 Proof Album Review”

  1. you know what your talking about. I love kellie pickler and her voice just knocks me out. I always believed and knew kellie was going to the top and she is good as country can get love you kellie baby.