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 ballads 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 ballads 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. ~ Brian Mansfield