There's that thing about mainstream country music. When it is done well, it is the music of blue collar America. It's not really for the young, it's not really for the musical purist but it is the music for the majority of people who have travelled along the rocky road of life.
Having said that, like much of country music these days, you don't need a pick up truck and a dog called Bo to enjoy it. Armed with a sizeable chunk of session musician's, she shows no signs of nervousness in this, her debut album. She does a fine job in with other people's songs like the ultra commercial - and very Faith Hill Like - "Schizophrenic Heart" but the real heart and soul are to be found in her own compositions with the elegant ballad "Forever Ago" and the exuberant (think that's the best word…) "Bought Myself a Toy" standing out. Like I said, this is an album of music for real people.
Unusually for a country artist these days, Ms Preston writes a fair chunk of her own material. Maybe that's why she convinces. The Nashville music machine has churned out many like her but you know when you have heard the real thing and Ms Preston is indeed the real thing.