Lisa McHugh ~ #Country

Glasgow born LISA McHUGH continues to be one of the biggest names on the Irish Country scene. And her latest album, “# Country” (Sharpe Music) will further establish her popularity.
She has established herself on the dance circuit in Ireland with a number of upbeat fun numbers, and whilst there are a number of these included here, including covers of Crystal Gayle’s “Why Have You Left The one You Left Me For”, Alan Jackson’s “Lets Get Back To Me And You”, and her latest single “Satisfy You” (the old Sweethearts Of The Rodeo number), this album does show Lisa’s versatility in mixing in some really traditional Country and folk sounds into her sound. Indeed Lisa says that “the music is slightly more subtle and leans more towards a bluegrass country style than the “comin’ at cha’ songs we’ve done previously”.
There’s certainly some signs of that. Her versions of “Play Me The Waltz Of The Angels” and “I Hope You’re The End Of My Story” are both laced with some lovely mandolin, and “Who’s Gonna Be Your Next Love”, has a good bluegrass drivin’ beat. 
The album kicks off with “He’s A Good Ole Boy”, the old Chely Wright number, which Lisa recalls from her younger days growing up on Glasgow’s South Side. And she goes back to Joni Harms for “That’s Faith” to close the album. Joni, of course, wrote Lisa’s early career song “Old Fashioned Girl”.
She turns in some lovely ballads, including “26 Cents”, and “To Say Goodbye”, which serves as a beautiful tribute to Joey Feek. The song, co-written by Rory, was originally recorded by Joey & Rory.
There’s a duet with Malachi Cush on the old Canadian folk song, “Peggy Gordon”, but for me, stand out track is the old Loretta Lynn song, “Success”. Pure Country.  And not one of the most obvious Loretta numbers to choose.
Lisa’s come up with another winning package of songs, than can only further enhance her career.