Tears, Lies, and Alibis
Shelby Lynne is a stubborn artist whose *Tears, Lies, and Alibis* is her first self-produced and self-released album. It’s a beautiful album of country music that features among the guests Muscle Shoals legends David Hood and Spooner Oldham. But no matter the backing — and there are some tasteful productions here — the emphasis is on that old fashioned twang that Lynne brings to everything she sings. Ballads such as “Like a Fool,” “Alibi” and “Something to Be Said” remind one of the smoky vibe of Tammy Wynette and Dusty Springfield (whom Lynne tributed on the album *Just a Little Lovin’*). Lynne is an emotive wonder, able to express her frustrations and dissatisfactions in a myriad of ways. “Rains Came” kicks it up with a full band of organ and electric guitars. “Why Didn’t You Call Me?” throws in a horn arrangement for an extra R&B touch. But it’s the doom-laden country ballad “Family Tree,” the heartbreaking classic-country feel of “Old #7,” and the empathy fueling “Loser Dreamer” that make Lynne an exemplary talent and one of the finest country singers and songwriters alive.
Discover Tears, Lies and Alibis by Shelby Lynne released in 2010. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
Lynne’s production instincts are spot-on, never overindulging in the freedom afforded by her role as the producer.
Shelby Lynne’s breakthrough release I Am Shelby Lynne is one of my favorite dishwashing records.