Jo Dee Messina's self titled debut album sets the stage for an enigmatic performer, and the promise of good things to come in the future. The big hit single was "Heads Carolina, Tails California", arguably her best single to date. It also turned out hits like the uptempo "You're Not In Kansas Anymore", "Do You Wanna Make Something Of It" and the tender beautiful ballad "He'd Never Seen Julie Cry". There is other great moments on the album, such as two ballads which highlight the set, titled "Let It Go" and "I Didn't Have To Leave You". She has attitude and spunk to spare, and personality, which comes out in her music. Her next album I'M ALRIGHT even bettered this one, but this one is a good jumping point for a newcomer, and well worth checking out.

Joe Dee is a great singer and this album does not give her jsutice but the Song Heads Carolina Tails California is great if you are a bug fan of hers get this cd but if you're only a minor fan you don't really need this album

I love plenty of Contemporary Country music... everything from "New Bluegrass" (Alison Krauss & Union Station) to "New Country" like Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Martina... even a lot of Faith & Shania.

But I think this CD is crap.

The single star is for the only good song on the album, "Heads Carolina, Tails California" -- but really, 1 star for one good song out of ten is a bit too generous. I'm astounded at how bad the other 9 songs are... elementary-school rhyming, uninspired melody lines, stupid lyrics, below-average accompaniment, etc.

One of the most annoying things to me is her habit of overpronnouncing every word in a song... I'd guess someone told her at some point that she slurs her words, and she was trying to overcompensate. The result should be titled "Hooked on Phonics, starring JoDee Messina." Listen to the preview of "On a Wing and a Prayer" for a good example of what I'm talking about.

I thank my lucky stars I borrowed this cotton candy from the library, rather than shelling out $16 for one song. Do yourself a favor and buy "Heads Carolina, Tails California" online if you must have it.