CD Review – The Danielle Car EP – Danielle Car

14 years ago Liv Carter 5

The EP – Danielle Car (2010)

UCB had the opportunity to listen and review Danielle Car’s first 5-song EP ‘Walk of Shame.’ A family-lovin’, hometown, Italian girl from Detroit has heard the call on her life to pursue the dream of making country music. What has transpired from that call thus far, has been, in my opinion, a fairly strong start into a tough, competitive industry. I have to admit, it took me a number of listens to really try to “catch” the essence of this EP. However, the first song has a great, fast-paced beat and catch phrase that pretty much explains a night of drinkin’ and lovin’. “Jack and Johnny are to blame for your morning walk of shame. (presumably Daniels and Walker, respectively!) “She’s a sassy little lassie, got a chassie made for lovin’ tonight.” From the opening guitar strands, deep bass and drum beat, it immediately reminded me of Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B. Goode.’ But make no mistake, Danielle keeps it pure country and not surprisingly, this first single off ‘The EP’ was recently added to the national hot list of new singles at the end of September, from Promo Only. Other artists on the list that week included Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith and Blake Shelton. Danielle, however, is the only artist on that list that remains unsigned by a record label, which is an accomplishment in of itself.

‘Drive My Car’ is the next track and while there is nothing really remarkable lyrically or musically about this song, (“try to be just what you are, and maybe you can drive my car…”) Danielle’s vocals remind me a bit of Gretchen Wilson, which can never be a bad thing.

In my opinion, every great country album, should have a slow-dance ballad, and while ‘Biggest Mistake’ would be that song on this cd, it may be Danielle’s “biggest mistake.” The song seems repetitively endless and overcrowded by the multitude of instruments (tambourine included) that are drowning out any attempts of Danielle’s voice trying to emote pain and regret over a man. “You’re my biggest mistake. But you’re just too good not to make.”

The final two songs, ‘Hazard to My Health’ and ‘Pretty Please’ bring some closing redemption to ‘The EP.’ Naturally, ‘Hazard to My Health’ refers to the forbidden physical attraction for someone other than your boyfriend, “I know those blue eyes batting my way, carry a warning from the FDA.” However, the stand-out favorite is ‘Pretty Please.’ There is a Miranda Lambert essence and quality about this song that has nothing to do with vocals. It is that “strong woman, ain’t gonna take no crap, no matter how tempting” mantra that Danielle seems most comfortable with and it really translates well in this song. “So, let’s make just one thing clear. I don’t want a telephone call at 3 am. I ain’t somebody that you flirt with… go on home and see your family …”

Overall, UCB looks forward to seeing what the future holds for Danielle Car and wish her much success in her musical career. She is off to a great start! If you see her at a show, we’d love to hear from you! To find out more about Danielle, visit her website here: http://www.daniellecarmusic.com/

Disclosure of material connection for this review.  

Liv Carter

Liv Carter

Liv is a career coach for creatives, and the people who work with them.
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
Liv Carter

Latest posts by Liv Carter (see all)