by Chuck Dauphin
I got the press release on this one, and it compared the singer to Janis Joplin – so naturally I was intrigued. When this CD landed in the mailbox, I immediately decided to give it a spin. To say I was impressed would only be putting it mildly.
Of course, just saying that her talent compares to the tortured Joplin is only part of the story. The Houston native definitely was influenced by her, but there’s so much more. She’s definitely not trying to mimic anybody.
On the opener, “What Good Can Drinkin’ Do,” she conjures up a sound that includes Joplin, but also a heavy back beat that brings to mind Waylon Jennings. She exudes charisma and tracks like “Golden Stairs” and “Meet Me In The Morning,” and lets her blues side hang out on cuts like “Usurper” and “No Exception,” which make for a thrilling ride.
Along the way, there’s a trip through New Orleans sounds (“”Only God Knows Where,”) and a laid-back Country-ish sound on the closer, “Shine On.” Wonderland is the kind of artist that defies genre and classification, but she won’t defy your CD player. The woman is incredible! If you need further proof, check out the sizzling “I Can Tell.” Can’t wait for the next album!
For more information, check out www.CarolynWonderland.com!
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