Rachel Williams - 'Lovers And Liars'

Nashville, Tenn. (TOP40 Charts/ Rachel Williams Official Website) -Twenty-something Nashville Star alumn Rachel Williams (no relation) is a simply sensational live performer and force to be reckoned with who's good at getting her hooks into the listener early on. (FYI, she's also fresh off playing to a sold-out, packed-house crowd at legendary Nashville venue The Bluebird Cafe).

And that's proven with the album's opener, a hooky rockin' country number which shows she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and plow on through for a chance new love might grow in "Unbroken Ground." Next, "You Let Me" sees things seem to settle a bit more sadly down to reality with lyrics like "I never would have guessed|That you could be so heartless|How could I have known that you'd let me let you go?" Things seem to take a turn for the worst again on the next track; however, once one hears the "but" in "What If We Do," there soon follow several signs of a possible more positive end in sight.

Another thing to love about third release Lovers & Liars is an outspoken statement which comes courtesy of "I'm A Woman," another uptempo whose hook is "I'm a woman (to love)." The song wraps up with Rachel proclaiming "I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman..." as if there could be any doubt!

Unfortunately she may be loved a little too much - on "In Between" an old flame continues to call her up, though they both know it's not a wise move. The affecting soulful plea begins with "please don't call me, as harmless as it seems."

Also, Rachel actually deserves the designation of "performing songwriter" - having co-written everything on this collection (she even co-produced). Several other writers of note contributed, including Bruce Wallace ("Unbroken Ground") and Angela Kaset ("Where My Line Is") - pen behind Lorrie Morgan's smash single "Something in Red," among others.

No lie - in this case, perhaps some so-called "pop" rock-country isn't as bad as some folks think it's cracked up to be. This woman can belt out her lyrics with bravado even bolder than the stylish belts she often bedecks on stage. And that's the truth.

Liars can be downloaded or ordered in physical form, though the CD doesn't come with lyrics. Those are available at https://rachelwilliamsonline.com in the music section.