Shawna Russell Goddess CD Review by Brandy McDonnell, Entertainment Writer Judging from Shawna Russell's promising debut album, Oklahoma likely will be adding another country superstar to its brag book. The Okemah resident has a strong, expressive voice that couples Stevie Nicks' husky sensuality with Martina McBride's pure sassiness. Russell co-wrote 12 of the 13 tracks on "Goddess,” mostly with her dad, Keith Russell, and uncle, Tim Russell. The latter also co-produced the independent disc, which was recorded at Oklahoma City's Upstairs Productions Studio. The bouncy "Back on My Feet” and feisty "Don't Put Yourself Out” are catchy, hooky pop-country tracks with crossover potential. The album boasts worthy ballads "The Only One” and "Just Let Go.” Russell treads firmly in country territory with "Cemetery Hill,” about a small-town graveyard alternating as a spot for partying and mourning, and the Southern-fried grooves "Little Dixie” and "Should've Been Born With Wheels.” But she proves she can flat-out rock, channeling the Eagles, Deep Purple, and Nicks’ solo work on "Fire in the Desert,” "Get Out of My Way” and her cover of Firefall's 1978 hit "Strange Way.” Despite her youth, Russell comes across as genuine whether she's crooning the servicewoman's tribute "Shed a Tear” or the empowerment track "Everybody's Got a Story.”

(From CMA Closeup) Robert L. Doerschuk December 01, 2008 Goddess, Shawna Russell's debut album on Way Out West Records, wraps mainstream pop, romantic balladry and high-impact rock 'n' roll into a pure Country package. The Oklahoma native's singing echoes Martina McBride, Stevie Nicks or Bonnie Raitt, depending on how hard the drums drive or the power chords ring. As co-writer on 12 of these 13 songs, she flaunts a commercial touch and tempers it with pure feeling, whether in the stadium-sized anthem "Get Out of My Way," the crunchy punch of "Back on My Feet" or the Little Feat-flavored funk of "Little Dixie." Yet Goddess ultimately showcases Russell's personal blend of toughness, tenderness and tunefulness. Raised in a musical family, she was singing in public by age 7 and co-leading a band with her father Keith at 13. Four years later, as a member of Way Out West, her uncle Tim's band, she was shining in the spotlight at The Grizzly Rose in Denver, Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and other high-profile clubs. Her family ties remain intact, with her father and uncle still writing with her and playing in her band and Tim co-producing Goddess with Ted Curtis. But with her name on the marquee now, with three years of touring with Ty England behind her and a glittering future ahead, Russell can take pride for launching her catalog with this powerful debut. 2008 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc Magazine)

This is a GREAT CD! Shawna is the "real deal" songwriter and performer and proves it by co-writing 12 songs on the project. From rockin' roll to touching country and everything in between you'll find it here. Her vocals are excellent and the songs are thought provoking and written with meaning and substance. Buy it.. you won't be sorry!