Album: Woman in the Moon

Introduction
"Woman in the Moon" is the debut studio album by American c and w vocalist Chely Wright, released on March 22, 1994, under Polydor Records. Chely Wright, born Richelle Renee Wright in 1970 in Kansas City, Missouri, is a country music singer and songwriter who achieved critical acclaim and business success during the 1990s and early 2000s. Wright's debut album includes a mix of initial tunes and cover versions, showcasing her effective voice and distinct storytelling capability.

Album Production and Collaborations
The production tasks for "Woman in the Moon" were helmed by music veterans Harold Shedd and Ed Seay, who had formerly dealt with the similarity Alabama and Toby Keith, respectively. The album includes a total of ten tracks, including six initial songs co-written by Wright in addition to a number of prominent Nashville songwriters, such as Fred Koller, Mike Lawler, Pat Flynn, and Robert Ellis Orrall. In addition to her songwriting partners, Wright enlisted a gifted group of artists to assist in bringing her songs to life, including legendary session guitar player Brent Mason and multi-instrumentalist Paul Franklin.

Noteworthy Tracks
"Woman in the Moon" opens with the up-tempo, banjo-driven "Sea of Cowboy Hats", which showcases Wright's ability to conjure vivid pictures of rural life and the battles of discovering love in a small town. The 2nd track, "It's Not Too Late", is a poignant ballad that discovers Wright pleading for a second opportunity at love. The song is marked by its strong vocal performance and psychological lyrics, which would end up being a hallmark of Wright's career.

The album's title track, "Woman in the Moon", is a tender, folk-tinged ode to discovering one's soulmate, including Wright's pure, emotive vocals and a memorable chorus that stays among the most heartfelt moments of her profession. Another standout track, "He's a Good Ole Boy", highlights Wright's funny bone and knack for storytelling, as it tells the tale of a lady who can't help but fall for a lovely yet rather problematic guy.

Album Reception and Legacy
While "Woman in the Moon" stopped working to make a considerable effect on the charts upon its release, it laid the groundwork for Wright's future success and established her as an artist to watch in the c and w scene. The album's title track received some attention on nation radio, helping to develop Wright's fanbase and even more her profession. Critics applauded the record for its truthful songwriting and impressive vocal efficiencies, setting the stage for her subsequent albums "Right in the Middle of It" (1996) and her development, "Let Me In" (1997).

In the years because its release, "Woman in the Moon" has acquired gratitude as an underrated gem in the c and w world and a crucial piece of Wright's discography. The album showcases Wright's growth as an artist and still holds up today as a satisfying, sincere collection of songs that chronicle love, loss, and life in rural America. For those who value attentively penned lyrics, engaging storytelling, and effective vocal performances, Chely Wright's "Woman in the Moon" is an important listen.

Artist: Chely Wright

Chely Wrights life & musical journey, her inspiring quotes, and the impact of coming out as the first major country artist. Learn her LGBTQ+ activism.
More about Chely Wright

Other Albums by Chely Wright