Back with a Brand New Sound, Suzy Bogguss Shows Off Her Musical Makeover on Sweet Danger

Until about a week ago, I thought of Suzy Bogguss as strictly a country singer. Having heard a couple of her albums from the early 1990s, I remembered her as having a honey-sweet voice and a decidely pop country style. I liked her music back then, but for some reason, she didn't seem to stand out much from the crowd. That doesn't mean she wasn't a big success, though. Bogguss won the Country Music Association's Horizon Award in 1992 and Album of the Year Award in 1994. But in the past, I found that while I really enjoyed her music, I could easily move on to something else once the song finished.

Recently, I got the chance to hear Suzy Bogguss's latest album, Sweet Danger, which will be released by Loyal Dutchess Records on September 4. After listening to Sweet Danger, I can no longer think of Suzy Bogguss as stricly a country singer. On her new album, Suzy Bogguss proves that her sound now transcends country. And because Bogguss's new style is as engaging as it is pleasing, it's no longer so easy for me to move on after just one song.

Just looking at the cover art on Sweet Danger, I can tell that Suzy Bogguss has switched gears. The album cover is a cool, turquoise blue, which really seems to define how this album sounds. Bogguss is sitting on steps, wearing a spotted trench coat and a mischievous look on her face. Fans who expect country music may be surprised to hear a fascinating blend of sounds from New York and Nashville. From the very first strains of the first song, "The Bus Ride", it's clear that Suzy Bogguss is drawing on jazz, adult contemporary music, world music, pop, R&B, and yes, country.

For the most part, this new sound really works. The songs are still thoughtful, personal, emotional, and relevant. Bogguss co-wrote seven of the twelve tracks. Her husband, Doug Crider, wrote the wonderfully poignant track, "In Heaven", a moving song about a bereaved woman telling her late lover that she's moving on because she's finally found a new love. Crider also shares writing credits on three other songs. Sweet Danger also includes stylish covers of Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" and Beth Nielsen-Chapman's and Annie Roboff's "Right Back Into The Feeling". I particularly like what Bogguss has done with "If You Leave Me Now". It's interesting to hear a woman perform this song with an updated arrangement. Other stand out tracks include "Chain Lover", which is a clever song about a woman addicted to romantic flings, and "It's Not Gonna Happen Today", a song that accurately describes the hopelessness of situational depression brought on by a love affair gone bad.

Besides offering twelve great songs on Sweet Danger, Suzy Bogguss also plays with first rate musicians, including Pat Bergeson on guitar and harmonica and Clifford Carter on piano. She co-prouduced Sweet Danger with jazz/pop keyboardist Jason Miles, who offers his talents on several songs, giving this album a sophisticated vibe. Sweet Danger runs for about 46 minutes. The liner notes include printed lyrics and a few beautiful pictures of Bogguss.

Overall, I'm very impressed with Suzy Bogguss's new style on Sweet Danger. Her musical makeover really suits her. Look for Sweet Danger at your favorite music outlet on September 4th!