At the tender age of 17, country singer Jessica Andrews has accomplished what many aspiring country stars spend a lifetime striving for. Her first album, “Heart Shaped World,” became 1999’s top selling debut album by a country artist, earning her an Academy of Country Music Award for best new artist. Now, while many teenagers are eagerly anticipating spring break, Andrews is looking forward to her sophomore release, “Who I Am,” set to hit stores today.
Andrews said that she felt much more confident with her second recording.
“I felt like I wanted to step out a little bit and do something a little more energetic and aggressive,” she said.
Her newfound confidence shows on the album. While Andrews continues to dazzle listeners with strong vocals and a mature sound reminiscent of the Martina McBrides and Faith Hills of the industry, she weaves a theme throughout this album that is all about discovering who she is and who she wants to become.
The title track leads the pack as the most refreshing example of this, combining personalized lyrics with an upbeat sound that will leave even the weariest country music critics tapping their feet.
This theme of self-discovery sets the album apart from other more candy-coated teen country releases. Andrews feels her way through each song on “Who I Am,” creating a true connection with the listener. Andrews said she often picks songs based on a personal affinity she might have with the material.
“If I hear a song that I can relate to and that’s happened in my life than sure I’ll record it because I feel like I can really do it justice,” she said.
Highlights of the album include the light ballad “Show Me Heaven” and the more aggressive “Karma.” Her masterful combination of traditional country- and pop-tinged sounds will find appreciative audiences on both sides of the spectrum.
Andrews said even though she came onto the country music scene around the same time as fellow teen singers Lila McCann and LeAnn Rimes, she has tried to find her voice and go her own way.
“My goal was to set myself apart and show them that I was talented and that I wanted to be around forever, whether I was 15 or 27,” she said.
In setting herself apart, Andrews has lent her vocal talents to soundtrack compilations such as the WB teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” and the star-studded Nashville version of “The Prince of Egypt.”
Andrews said that although winning the ACM award was “awesome,” her main career goal is to have her music reach worldwide audiences. “Whether I win awards from now on or if I don’t ever win awards, it’s not really that important,” she said.
Andrews plans for the future include a tour with Billy Gilman set to kick off in late spring or early summer.
