Bridgette Tatum, "Hillbilly Rockstar"

Sometimes you just immediately know what you're getting as soon as you read a song's title.  The title "Hillbilly Rockstar" might make you think that this song is essentially a headbanging country-rocker that apes country credibility through use of the word "hillbilly."  For the most part, you'd be correct.  We probably shouldn't be surprised, considering that this artist is one of the songwriters responsible for Jason Aldean's "She's Country."

At the very best, "Hillbilly Rockstar" is a vehicle for Bridgette Tatum to showcase her distinctive deep-throated vocals.  Though it almost comes as a slight surprise, the opening verse is actually somewhat catchy.

But oh, how the song falls apart in the chorus.

(Do you wanna) Party like a...
(Do you wanna) Party like a...
(Do you wanna) Party like a hillbilly rockstar

That seems like an awfully weak hook to build a song around - definitely not enough to keep me coming back for more.  It's obvious that this song isn't aiming to make a mark through strong lyrics, so it would take a good catchy hook to make the attempt seem worthwhile.  A great hook "Hillbilly Rockstar" simply doesn't have.  It doesn't help that the session musicians basically bang out the chords and call it a day.  Bridgette's vocals barely cut through the clutter as she attempts to sell the predictably inane lyrics.  I know it's only meant to be ear candy, but it doesn't quite hit my sweet tooth.

Last summer Bridgette impressed me with the bluesy grit of "That's Love Y'all," and I still believe she has great music in her.  I just don't believe I'm hearing it right now.

BRIDGETTE'S SCORE:  4
(Scores are given on a scale of 1 to 10)

HEAR IT ON BRIDGETTE'S MYSPACE