Come On Over, Sara

"From This Moment On" I will forever be a fan of Eilleen Regina Edwards. I wish that I could express the embarrassment of finding out, at the age of almost 32, that Shania Twain is a stage name. Over three decades of following pop culture and I am still floored when people have stage names. 

Come On Over, the 1997 album from Shania Twain, is the ninth best selling album of all time! All time! I would love to count it as the eighth because I don't think that "best of" albums should count, but good for you, Eagles. There are eleven country singles off of this album (five became pop crossover hits), memorable music videos, and the skyrocketing of Shania Twain to become an international star, crowning her the Queen of Country Music. Those are the basics about the album, but how does the album hold up 24 years later?

Admittedly, I am biased. This is a formative album for an elementary school Sara. I owned the album, sang it, recreated the music videos, and fought with my mom about "Man! I Feel like a Woman!" being too sexy. But, I would say that this is a strong pop-country album where 90% of the songs hold up today. You can hear "Man! I Feel like a Woman!" and in the first four seconds of the guitar riff you know what is in store. "That Don't Impress Me Much" is a time capsule with the Brad Pitt reference but still fun to sing along to. Would I leave "Rock This Country!" and "Black Eyes, Blue Tears" in 1997? Yes, I would. The intent is pure, but the execution can be seen as tone deaf. I'm also sure my mom did not love me scream-singing a song about domestic abuse at ten years old. Shania uses this album to talk about being a woman in all the different ways: in love, out of love, empowered, and even on a bad day!

Overall, this album is a megawatt, hit after hit, pop-country album. Heavy on the pop, easy on the country. From dance hits to ballads, you'll find it here. If you're in need for some turn of the century girl power and nostalgia, stream Come On Over. 

OK, now that my official review is over, can y'all read the 1997 Rolling Stone review of this album? Tell me if I'm being too sensitive, but I think Chuck Eddy was being a sexist meanie. Little did he know this was going to sell 40 million records and be on Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of All Time in 2020. Eat crow, Chuck.