Mark Selby
Dirt (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Mark Selby has already had some pretty impressive chart success as a songwriter, chalking up number ones for the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and his songs have been covered by Trisha Yearwood, Wynona, Keb' Mo', Jo Dee Messina and many more. He hasn't had that real breakout personal hit yet, though, a situation that's likely to change given the artistic and critical success of his second Vanguard release, Dirt.

It's hard to imagine the songs on Dirt being done more effectively by other artists. Selby's heartfelt delivery leaves the impression that these are songs he saved for himself because they mean maybe just a bit more to him than the ones he offers up to others. While his voice is fine enough, his vocals seem to actually transcend the quality of his voice because of that nearly intangible element of involvement that's the mark of a truly fine performance. He's also an excellent guitarist, with a particularly nice touch on his slide solos.

Selby's ability to write a song that communicates to an audience is well and long established. With Dirt, he proves that he has the ability to deliver a performance to match. A lot of artists may be looking in new directions for songs, because Mark Selby's likely to be too busy cranking out his own hits in the near future.

Track List:

Reason Enough * Back Door To My Heart * Willin' To Burn * If The World Was Mine * Moon Over My Shoulder * One Man * You * Desire * Easier To Lie * Unforgiven * Dirt

© 2003 - Shaun Dale