Everything [Bonus DVD] (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Chely Wright (piano); Mike Mobley (various instruments); Jeff King (guitar); John D. Willis, Brian Sutton (acoustic guitar); Kelly Back (electric guitar); Scotty Sanders (steel guitar); Jeff Huskins (gut-string guitar); Larry Franklin, Aubrey Haynie (fiddle); Nashville String Machine (strings); Michael Rojas, Gordon Mote (piano); Jimmy Carter (bass guitar); Chris McHugh, Steve Buster, Shannon Forrest (drums); Eric Darken (percussion).

Chely Wright is quite the musical genius. Known for her folksy alternative look at country, she might not have always had the popular vote for Country Queen, but she certainly deserved it. Therefore, after her departure from MCA Nashville, this determined artist didn't give up on her music. Rather, she independently released Everything, a collection of homemade country tunes that never made her previous albums. What's most exciting is that these pieces, all written or co-written by Wright, solidifying her credibility as a great songwriter, are freed from the country-pop press that haunted Wright for the longest time. Therefore, this seven-track short menagerie is pure Chely at her absolute finest. Her vocals and personality shine through the classics, which, with magical acoustics, present a gorgeous gift for die-hard Chely Wright fans and for those who are smart enough to take a listen at a glorious country sample like this one. The highlight of this album, "Sex Drugs and Rock n' Roll," speaks for itself. Wright's career wasn't fueled on hype -- Wright has made it all these years because she isn't just a singer; she's an artist. Everything highlights Wright are her finest, when she can do exactly what she wants with her career. Indie is the way for this woman, and this dazzling set proves it. ~ Matthew Chisling minimize