Album: Tough All Over

Overview
"Tough All Over" is the debut album by American c and w singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne, released in 1990 under the Epic label. This record is known for showcasing Lynne's effective vocals and her unique blend of standard country, rock, and pop influences. The album, produced by Billy Sherrill, known for his work with George Jones and Tammy Wynette, was met important praise and commercial success upon its release. It reached No. 39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and numerous of its songs ended up being hits on the country music scene.

Lead Singles and Chart Performance
"Tough All Over" released three singles: "Little Unlucky-At-Love", "The Hurtin' Side", and the title track, "I'm Tough All Over". "I'm Tough All Over" ended up being a Top 20 struck on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now known as Hot Country Songs), peaking at No. 20 in 1990. The other singles also carried out well on the charts, with "Little Unlucky-At-Love" reaching No. 72 and "The Hurtin' Side" peaking at No. 58.

The moderate success of the singles helped propel the album to No. 39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and led to Lynne winning the Academy of Country Music's award for Top New Female Vocalist in 1990.

Tracks and Themes
"Tough All Over" consists of ten tracks, including a mix of positive, honky-tonk tunes and psychological, heartwrenching ballads. The album opens with the title track, an anthemic tune about strength and determination in the face of life's challenges. Lynne showcases her strong and dynamic voice throughout the track, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

Other standout tracks consist of "The Hurtin' Side", a lovely ballad detailing the pain of heartbreak, and "Little Unlucky-At-Love", an uptempo song about the aggravation and dissatisfaction that features failed relationships.

Lynne co-wrote three songs on the album, "Tough All Over", "Thinking About You Again", and "I Walk the Line", showcasing her songwriting capabilities together with her vocal talent. The themes of love, heartbreak, and strength exist throughout the album, creating a cohesive listening experience that resonates with fans of country music.

Reception and Legacy
"Tough All Over" received radiant reviews from critics, who praised Lynne's powerful and emotive voice in addition to her capacity as a c and w star. The album's important and industrial success established Lynne as a promising beginner on the c and w scene.

While "Tough All Over" was a well-reviewed and effective launching, Lynne's career just continued to soar after its release. She launched a number of more albums in the 1990s and early 2000s, experimenting with her sound and style to include more components of pop, rock, and blues. Her 2000 album "I Am Shelby Lynne" marked a significant departure from her country roots and amassed a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

In conclusion, "Tough All Over" presented Shelby Lynne as a skilled and versatile artist, efficient in blending genres and styles to develop an unique noise. The album stays an essential listen for fans of 1990s c and w and acts as the structure for her storied and varied profession.