It's Your Call

AMG Review of It's Your Call

Brian Mansfield
All Music Guide

McEntire possesses one of the most undeniably emotional voices in country music -- one well-phrased word in her Oklahoma accent can start hearts breaking. The overwhelming number of allads on It's Your Call take maximum advantage of that talent, especially on "Straight From You" and "The Heart Won't Lie," a duet with labelmate Vince Gill. While It's Your Call may have the same intensity of emotion as the double-platinum For My Broken Heart, it lacks similar depth -- taken as a whole, these songs make McEntire sound like a victim, a role she no longer plays well. The allads leave few places for McEntire's strength of character, and the bluesy "Take It Back" and "Go Down Easy" only serve as breaks in the despair. McEntire showed her best on For My Broken Heart; while she's not holding back here, only casual or partial listeners will be moved as much.