By Isaiah Smith/reporter

Martina McBride shows off her many talents on her new album Waking up Laughing, which the country chanteuse wrote, produced and sang.

“ Anyway,” McBride’s first single off of the album, is the fastest rising single of her career.
The inspiring power ballad shows off her vocals.

This is the best country song I have ever heard, and I’ve listened to a lot.

I actually went out and bought Waking up Laughing because of this song, and I have listened to it all summer long. It’s almost made me a fan of country, but not quite yet.

McBride performed “Anyway” on American Idol and even received a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, which was a huge tribute because he is, among other things, a notorious hater of country music.

“ If I Had Your Name” is a cheeky song where McBride shows her sassy side with many different ways she would leave a bad relationship.

McBride truly shows her talent, and her voice does not grate on the listener. It has a smooth, calming quality that would attract any type of music fan.

The catchy hook “If I had your name/I’d be changing it by now” will be a big hit with the country market—this is a great single that fits right into the country genre.

McBride has maintained a consistent presence on the country charts since she made her debut in 1992.

Her accomplishments include six number one singles, more than 16 million in sales, 22 top 10 singles and crossover success in the pop and adult contemporary genres.

“ For These Times” is another inspiring song from Waking up Laughing.

McBride sings of our times and the need for mercy, love and God in these uncertain days.

The message is clear but unobtrusive.

The vocals go on a lot of runs on this track, and she hits every note with clarity and pure down-home sincerity.

While most of this album is modern country, “Beautiful Again” takes on the more traditional, story-telling cadence that most country has.

The lyrics are rather dark juxtaposed against the upbeat music and acoustic guitars—a weird mix, but it works beautifully.

McBride really shows off her veteran vocal skills on this album with clear high notes and melodic low notes that harmonize perfectly with the soft, country music.

She’s a music star who will last a long, long time because of her talent and versatility. She is a true talent.

“ House of a Thousand Dreams,” a low, ambient sounding track, also takes a more story-telling approach to the lyrics without having that old-country sound to it.

Keith Urban provides harmony vocals and a guitar solo for the track “Tryin’ to Find a Reason.” McBride and Urban harmonize well on this lilting track about a love that is nearing its end.

“ Tryin’ to Find a Reason” would make a great single because it has universal appeal, and it will attract Urban fans as well.

McBride delivers a poignant performance on the closing song “Love Land,” a poetic track about a young woman getting married in Las Vegas because she is pregnant.

The slow song provides a grand finale to the album, and even though the song is a little sad, the listener is vitalized.

Waking up Laughing is a must-have album, the inspiring power ballads alone are worth the price. I give this album five stars.

Martina McBride actually got me to buy a country album, and that is impressive.