After singing backup for Bob Dylan, Etta James, Tanya Tucker, Olivia Newton-John, and Bette Midler, Katey Sagal hit it big with the TV series Married... With Children, giving her the leverage to record this folky, A/C-flavored solo album. Co-writing nine of the 12 songs, she recruited Rupert Hine, Robbie Nevil, and Jack White to provide backup and much of the production, making for a smooth, solid recording. She sings with the passion and confidence of a woman who's seen a lot of life, and the songs are reflective, sexy, and evocative without being blatant. The problem with Well...'s lack of commercial success probably had to do with the fact that it was too smooth for blues fans and too bluesy for adult contemporary; of course, those are also its strengths. "Thunderhead (I Just Wanted a Little Rain)," "September Rain," "Peace," "Act of Faith." "I Don't Wanna Know," and Dignity are all songs worthy of being singles, but, at the same time, the messages aren't new. Thankfully, they are presented in interesting arrangements and Sagal's voice gives depth to the lyrics, proving that she's not a sitcom bimbo. There are brains behind that beauty.
© Bryan Buss /TiVo