Review: Country Singer Julie Roberts 'Who Needs Mistletoe' EP By Holly Tong / The Examiner If you are among my regular readers, you already know that soulful country music singer Julie Roberts has my constant support, and that I was recently raving about her new independent album entitled “Alive.” If you still haven’t had a chance to listen to this genuine, inspiring, well crafted album that positively covers all bases, topics and emotions, I once again highly encourage you to give it a listen as I am confident you will agree and want your own copy. Now we all know that Christmas is quickly approaching and during the most wonderful time of the year, listening to your favorite Christmas songs are as vital of a tradition as any. Am I right? So what do you get this year when you combine classic country music with timeless Christmas tunes? You get an incredible Christmas EP entitled "Who Needs Mistletoe" by Julie Roberts! Never waivering from the country roots that have been instilled in her and sounding as flawless as ever, Julie has recorded seven special Christmas tunes. Six of her recordings are annual household songs that we all know and love, but just to add to the mix, her title tune “Who Needs Mistletoe” brings a fun and unexpected twist to an already impressive project. While listening to these songs, I find it impossible to not get into the Christmas spirit and to be reminded of the reason for the season. She takes favorite Christmas tunes such as “Blue Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and “Away in a Manager” just to name a few, and maintains the classic, soothing Christmas sound, while adding her own sound to each. So where can you order “Who Needs Mistletoe?” Well, you can go to her newly designed website www.julieroberts.com and you can also find her new music on CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon and most websites that sell digital downloads. However, I must note that Julie will be signing every copy that is ordered from her website AND she is offering three packages for the Christmas season. I can truly say when I listen to this EP, I feel the warmth of the season and want to truly take this year in! "Who Needs Mistletoe" this year when you can kick back, relax and listen to Christmas music like this?! Way to go Julie! Keep em coming and we'll keep listening!
Review: Julie Roberts 'Who Needs Mistletoe' EP By Billy Dukes / A Taste Of Country It’s difficult to listen to the remaining five songs on Julie Roberts‘s ‘Who Needs Mistletoe’ EP with a virginal mind after hearing the title track. ‘Who Needs Mistletoe’ the song may become every man in America’s favorite Christmas standard. “Who needs mistletoe, I’d rather be under you,” Roberts sings with a sensuality that’s enhanced by daring guitar licks and a sultry back beat. This is the only original on the Christmas EP and, um … phew! It is an original! “Baby you can be my Santa Claus / And I’ll come sit on your lap / Whisper what I really want / What do you think about that,” Roberts sings to begin. Her version of ‘Blue Christmas’ leads up to this spicy moment. Roberts has always been somewhat of a country chanteuse, although not intentionally. Her voice just delivers pain, mystery and sexuality whether she’s trying or not. On the classic Elvis Presley tune, her patience and intentional pacing keeps one leaning in to hear how she’ll begin and end each phrase. ‘Pretty Paper’ tries to be a cold shower before Roberts begins with the more religious classics — ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Away in the Manger’ — but it doesn’t work. One (yes, especially men) keeps fighting the urge to go back and listen to song No. 2 for the fourth or ninth time: “‘Cause I want to be naughty / Hey now don’t that sound nice / ‘Tis the season for giving / Are you in a giving mood tonight,” Roberts begs on ‘Who Needs Mistletoe.’ Putting this song so early on the album is like serving up the pumpkin pie before making a kid eat his vegetables. Sure, the more wholesome fare is probably better for you, but that’s a tough argument when there’s a slice of whipped cream covered pie within arms reach. No one, after all, leaves the Christmas table talking about how good the green beans were, anyway.
Review: Julie Roberts Asks 'Who Needs Mistletoe'? By Stephen L. Betts / The Boot When it's 100 degrees outside, the last thing on the minds of most people is Christmas. But for Julie Roberts, the opportunity to record some Yuletide favorites was exactly what she needed to beat the Nashville summer heat this past August. The 'Break Down Here' singer recorded an EP of seven holiday-themed tunes titled 'Who Needs Mistletoe,' after fans clamored for the project via herFacebook page. "It wasn't like I thought at the beginning of the year, 'I'm going to a Christmas EP this year,'" Julie tells The Boot. "I was paying attention to what my fans were wanting. The timing was perfect so I just did it." The one new song on the collection is the title track, the somewhat racy 'Who Needs Mistletoe,' which was co-written by Julie and the EP's co-producer Jason Collum. "I really wanted to write one song and I could not get into it when it was 100 degrees outside. We tried to write it for several days. Everything's been written about," she explains. "Jason had that idea," she notes. "I like songs where you can see it in your head. I could see [the main character in the song] singing to somebody dressed up like Santa or somebody that she wanted to be her Santa Claus that night. I loved writing it. It was fun. I know that it might be different for me but it's fine. I can't wait to sing it live!" Aside from the newly-penned title track, the EP contains traditional holiday standards 'Away in a Manger' and 'O Holy Night,' plus pop classics such as 'Blue Christmas,' 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' There's also her poignant version of a tune she often sang as a little girl, 'Pretty Paper,' written by Willie Nelson. "When I got into the studio, most of the musicians were younger than me," says the 32-year-old. "Most of them play on the road with me and Jason has been my bandleader forever. I brought it in there and none of them knew it! I said, 'You don't know 'Pretty Paper'?' They said, 'No, did you write it?' [laughs] I wish I wrote it!" Although singers will often get into the festive holiday mood by decorating the recording studio or putting up a Christmas tree, Julie used a different method to conjure up visions of sugarplums. "I kind of did it like I do with all of my records," she says. "I just become the lyric. I just saw Christmas in my head every time I closed my eyes. I don't see anything but that song and that lyric. I did have one fan who knew I was recording that sent me a Christmas ornament. I hung it in my bedroom and I could see it every morning before I would go to the studio. It made me know they're waiting on this excited about it." Recalling Christmases past, Julie says one of the most popular holiday albums in her house while growing up was the 1984 Dolly Parton-Kenny Rogers collaboration, 'Once Upon a Christmas.' "My Christmases have always just been very simple and about family," she recalls. "It's always just been about our family finally getting to be together for one or two days and all we do is eat and listen to Christmas music. Mama would make Christmas candy and we'd be decorating the tree listening to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' Christmas album." 'Who Needs Mistletoe' is being offered at Julie's website in three unique packages, all of which include personally signed copies of the EP. Other perks, depending on the package, include a personalized Christmas card, a copy of Julie's 'Alive' CD, and even a phone call from the singer herself on Christmas Day.
Review: Julie Roberts 'Who Needs Mistletoe' EP By Lydia Picknell / Keep'n It Country Julie Roberts has been known for her country-blues fused voice. She moved out of the spotlight for a few years to focus on herself in California, and now she’s back to help fans get into the Christmas spirit with a 7-song EP “Who Needs Mistletoe.” She released her album yesterday on her independent label, Aint Skeerd Records. She managed to combine a traditional feel with modern production in this EP, to give fans of both classic and modern country music something they could enjoy. Julie has a unique, powerful voice which she shows off very well in the short album. Her EP is sure to get country music fans in the mood for the Christmas season. The EP features one original Christmas song co-written by Julie and her producer, and six favorite songs from her childhood. Read our track by track review below: “Blue Christmas” was the perfect choice to kick off the EP with. The song is hard to master if you don’t have the perfect bluesy voice to fit the soul of the song, but Julie does perfectly. The simple production on the track fits her voice perfectly. While some singers try to over sing the song, Julie uses the song to show off her vocal capabilities. “Who Needs Mistletoe” is the title track to the album, and is a sassy little tune where Julie asks if the man is in a giving mood, but she doesn’t need mistletoe because she’d rather be “under” him. It’s a sexy little song that she co-wrote with Jason Collum. She sent the song out to radio Monday night, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be hearing a lot of it this holiday season. It’s a short little song but it gets you right into the Christmas mood. I always love hearing original country music songs on the radio during the Winter, and I fully expect to hear a lot of this single the next few weeks. The third song is “Pretty Paper,” a Christmas song that we don’t really hear covers of much anymore. From the start of the song you can hear the strong country vibe, and her vocals are just as strong here as they are in the opening track. It’s a wonder why Julie isn’t more popular than she is with the pretty blues-soaked voice that she has. Her version is a throwback to the days of classic country and listening to the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts over the radio. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is one of my favorite Christmas songs during the Holiday season. Julie once again keeps things simple, but that’s what makes it so beautiful: her voice is mesmerizing. Her version has the country but still Christmas mix to it. If she were to have a second single sent to radio from the EP, this would be my pick: although it’s an often-covered song by most artists today, her version is different and her vocals would make it stand out from the rest of the pack. Julie’s version of “O Holy Night” is very country. While most artists would choose to over shout on this song, or bring in a full orchestra, Julie once again chooses to showcase her voice instead. It’s one of the stronger songs on the EP, and at times her voice reminds me of Kellie Pickler’s ballads. “Away In A Manger” is another classic country tune that was turned pretty country for the EP. Like the rest of the album, the simple production does wonders for Julie’s version and voice. You can feel her love for the song in her version of the Christmas classic, and that she cut it because she liked the song, not for how popular it is. It’s a nice version that might not stand-out on the radio, but it keeps the Christmas cheer going through the album. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” closes off the album with a pretty little bow. It’s the perfect song for her voice, with a smoky blues feel to the song. It has a piano-bar feel to the track. It’s a little more jazz or blues than it is country, but that’s what makes it great. Julie knows the limits of her voice, and makes sure to stay true to the song’s original version but still found a way to put her own spin to it. That’s something that’s hard enough to do when covering a song, especially when it’s a Christmas song that everyone knows. It’s a brave step for any artist to put out an EP, especially a Christmas one where they keep things simple and choose to record it for the love of the season. Julie managed to pull it off perfectly, and her EP should be a welcome gift for any country music fan. I wish it were a full length studio album since the quality is that good. Julie’s choice in songs, and her delivery on those songs, shows off her strength and how pretty her soulful voice really is. Instead of covering the most popular Christmas songs (like “Jingle Bells”), she picked the perfect songs that work for her voice, and the songs that she would be able to put her own spin on while keeping true to the real sound of the tracks. It’s a record to be proud of, and shouldn’t be judged any differently than a full-length album. It’s quality and sure to get anyone in the mood for the next few weeks. Julie’s “Who Needs Mistletoe” EP is a perfect fit to any Christmas collection you may already have at your Christmas parties this season. Her EP is available now on all digital music retailers.
Julie Roberts Christmas EP Review By Markos Papadatos / Suite 101
Julie Roberts Gets Into The Holiday Spirit With New Christmas EP By Kristi Olson / Country Music Tattle Tale Modern-day country traditionalist Julie Roberts has a special gift for her fans this year -- a brand new Christmas EP released today (Tuesday, Nov. 1). Halloween has come and gone, and there's no such thing as Thanksgiving music, right? It's time to get in the holiday spirit with Roberts' festive 7-song collection, "Who Needs Mistletoe." I like to think of myself as a Christmas music connoisseur. I have more holiday music on my iPod than any other genre (aside from country, of course). I'm not into poppy remakes and modernization of the classics. I prefer Bing Crosby's version of "White Christmas" opposed to Taylor Swift's, and no one can pull off "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" quite like Burl Ives. But when I listened to Julie Roberts' holiday collection for the first time, I felt like I had gone back in time. It was weird; I actually felt that if I closed my eyes, I was sitting at a Christmas concert in the Ryman Auditorium in the 1960s. One thing I've always loved about Roberts is her understanding and appreciation for traditional country music. Recording a Christmas record didn't seem to change the album-making process for her at all. I could still feel the roots of classic country radiating through the speakers as I listened. Elvis Presley's rendition of "Blue Christmas" has been my favorite since I was a little girl, and no version of anyone's has lived up to it yet…until now. The bluesy tone to Roberts' voice is so good that it hurts. There isn't a more perfect song for that girl to sing. The vocals are soulful, real, and just plain good. Another one that really stands out for me is "Away in a Manger," in which she seems to have channeled her inner Tammy Wynette. The instrumentals are simple, yet precise, and allows the listener to really focus on the meaning of the song. Julie has one of those great story-teller singing voices, and that was really able to be showcased on this song. Originally recorded by Roy Orbison and written by Willie Nelson, "Pretty Paper" continues to be a popular cover song that country artists like to put on their Christmas records, but I don't think any other rendition thus far has been able to hold a candle to it; however, Julie Roberts gives Orbison and Nelson a little long-awaited competition. The EP's title track, "Who Needs Mistletoe," is the lone original song of the collection. Apparently Roberts has a thing for Santa Claus…or at least the guy wearing the Santa suit around her house. "Who needs mistletoe? I'd rather be under you." Oh my, Miss Roberts! Hey, at least she's honest. Then there are tracks like "O Holy Night," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" that are so beautiful in their original format that Julie decided not to mess with 'em. She kept it classic and traditional, which I absolutely love. Some things just aren't meant to be changed. We've got a timeless Christmas album on our hands, folks. But what else would you expect from one of country music's last true traditionalists? The album is available TODAY, so make sure you get it. It's available digitally via online retailers such as iTunes and Amazon, but hard copies will also be available on CDBaby, as well as on her official web site where she will personally autograph it just for you. I would highly recommend that. While you're there, check out what else she's been up to this year. She's a busy girl! I predict lots of great things in store for Julie in 2012.
Album Review: Julie Roberts 'Who Needs Mistletoe' by Patrice / Focus on the 615 I think I’m starting the Christmas holidays a little early this year, but who cares! This new Christmas album from Julie Roberts ‘Who Needs Mistletoe’ is sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit, especially those who enjoy traditional country music. Roberts has that distinctive voice and style that sets her apart that few really have and when I listened to this new album, I was reminded of musical legends like Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette. Julie Roberts’ style of music is rooted deeply in traditional country music and she never strays from that, even when she is producing a Christmas album. You’ll hear a perfect blend of traditional country and Christmas favorites on this album. Am I showing my age a little bit when I say how listening to this I thought of being a kid watching a Bing Crosby Christmas special on tv? Probably! I could almost envision Julie and Bing riding through some snow-covered countryside in a sleigh singing “Blue Christmas” or her joining him at his grand piano next to the wood-burning fireplace in the cabin sipping on some hot chocolate singing another one of the Christmas classics included on this album “O Holy Night”. Ok, I must have a very vivid imagination and, yes, I miss Christmas specials like that! ‘Who Needs Mistletoe’ is a 7-song EP that is being released November 1st. You can order this directly from Julie Roberts’ website here. I would strongly encourage anyone to buy this album. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and it put me right in the Christmas spirit even if Halloween and Thanksgiving haven’t passed yet! It was well-produced and the album was beautifully sung by Julie Roberts. My favorite songs from the album are: “O Holy Night” - the Christmas classic that few people can really do justice, “Pretty Paper” – a beautiful song that really put me in mind of the aforementioned musical legends, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, and “Blue Christmas”. But, the entire album is filled with beautifully-sung Christmas classics from top to bottom, these are just the ones that stood out the most to me. Full track listing:
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Julie Roberts Is Coming Back Stronger Than Ever By PatriceAll that I know is that it’s been entirely too long since we’ve heard some new music from Julie Roberts! With her new album entitled “Alive“, Julie reminds us why we’ve missed hearing from her. It’s hard to put into words what a special artist AND person that Julie Roberts is. When you speak with her, you are immediately struck by her sincerity and heartfelt words. With her music, you’re taken back to a more traditional approach to country music. She’s 110% authentic! Just about every song on this album feels like a glimpse into Julie’s daily life, her experiences, and her emotions about it all. You KNOW that she has lived it and it comes from a place deep down inside. She’s been met with some challenges like being diagnosed with MS, something that she has only recently opened up about, and the major damage to her home in the devastating flood that hit Nashville in May 2010. You feel the strength that she has gained from living through these experiences. Things like these change you. For the better or worse. While some might crumble and give up in the face of such life-changing experiences, you know that Julie has risen to the challenge and faces each day of her life with a renewed spirit that only comes from dealing with such major issues. Living through these things has tested Julie to the very core of her spirit and I know that there is a very beautiful spirit there. A heart of gold that has been shaped through heartache to reveal a stronger and even better Julie Roberts than ever before. She is a true survivor and one you’ll want to cheer for to prosper! I know that she inspires me and I’m sure many others are or will be inspired by her, as well! She is like a beautifully-polished diamond that sparkles in the sun! Click here for the Julie Roberts video interview My favorite song from the new album is “Somebody Does“. The first time I heard it, I was brought to tears. It’s a beautiful, mid-tempo song full of hope and promises that even when you think nobody cares, somebody does. Another song that I love is “Stronger“, which of course, is a ballad about growing and feeling stronger. These 2 songs will just tear your heart out. I know they did me. I guess the reason I feel so strongly towards these songs and the meaning behind them, is because like Julie, I was fairly recently diagnosed with MS, too. I can’t even tell you how much I feel the emotion in her music and relate to her. I just know that listening to her music gives me strength and hope, and I know that it will probably do the same for others no matter what challenges you face in your every day life because we ALL have our challenges. I, also, love “Mama Said Don’t“. It’s uptempo and just plain fun! The only song that didn’t quite seem to fit the theme of the album is “Nascar Party“, but I know she’s working with Nascar and that’s the reason it was included on the album. “Alive” is a 12-track, fully produced album and is a must-have for any country music loving fan! It’s available for purchase directly from her website at www.julieroberts.com and I know that for a limited time she is personally autographing each copy. And, don’t be surprised if you even find a special note from Julie included. Go buy it NOW and help this great artist who is one of a kind and truly one of the good ones! You won’t be disappointed!
Review: Julie Roberts 'Alive' July 16, 2011 After missing from the Nashville scene for five years, Julie Roberts released her third studio album “Alive” in June of this year. This time, her album was released independently instead of on the Mercury Nashville label like her two prior records. Unlike her sophomore album, you can tell that she meant every lyric she sings this time around. Her self-titled debut record was certified gold, and “Break Down Here” was a top 20 hit for the blonde songstress. It peaked at #18 on the Billboard Country Chart and #81 on the Billboard top 100 chart. The song was actually a cover of Trace Adkins’ “I’d Sure Hate To Break Down Here.” It was an impressive debut for the singer, who unfortunately struggled with her next few releases. After her second album, “Men & Mascara,” in which she didn’t seem as comfortable with, she split from her label in May 2010. Roberts took some time off to deal with the Nashville floods last year that she had become a victim of, and also to learn to deal with the heartbreaking diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Roberts released “Alive” as an independent artist and came back to country music stronger than ever. Now in full control of her image, her songs, and what she was recording, it’s obvious how much more she believes in what she sings. The down-to-earth, religious young woman is a talent to be feared. With her strong, bluesy vocals, it’s a wonder why she was never bigger than she was when she was signed to a major label. You can tell that the experiences she has gone through the last few years have made her not only a stronger artist, but a stronger woman as well. The album opens up with the up-tempo “Mama Said Don’t.” It’s one of my favorite tracks on the album, a rebellious tune about how a daughter never listened to the things her mother warned her about and always did the opposite of what she was told. Roberts wrote this with her two friends Rachel Proctor and Victoria Banks, who also collaborated on another track on “Alive.” Her vocals just scream country, and this rocker of a song definitely has some future single potential. It’s a great way to kick off a great album. While the track doesn’t showcase all of what her voice can do, it’s a great way to introduce the album. ”Stronger” is an autobiographical tune that reinforces how much stronger she is after what she has gone through. Roberts admitted that her confidence was shaken after her second album, thanks in part to her health and because of what she was forced to sing. The track was co-written with the Grammy-winning Don Schlitz. It’s an emotional, powerful song where Roberts seems her most vulnerable. It’s much stronger than her last album, since you can tell she really does believe and feel every line of the song. “Alive” is another one of the beautiful songs on the album that showcases how powerful Roberts’ vocals really are. The title track for the album is a haunting tune about being so far away from someone, or something, you love but you know they’re right beside you every step of the way. It’s another song that I would love to see released to radio, and I think it would have a strong chance at rising up the charts, independent release or not. Her voice reminds of me Jewel on parts of this song, but much stronger and clearer. It’s one of the prettier songs on Roberts’ third release. ”Yesterday’s Blue” is a bluesy-country track where her voice really shines. The song fits her voice perfectly, and I’d love to see her tackle some more tracks closer to this. There’s not many artists in country today that have such a soulful, powerful, blues voice like Roberts does. It’s close to Jewel, like I said earlier, but more controlled and smoother. This song tells a story of a break-up between a couple who finally called it off, and who’s going to get what while she sleeps “like a baby.” “Ain’t No Thing” is another song that you can dance to. It’s not a groundbreaking track by any means, but it fits in well with this album. It’s something that Dierks Bentley would release, or maybe even the Dixie Chicks back in the early 2000′s. It’s a cute fast-tempo that shows off her playful side. “Let’s Fight” is a groovy little tune about a woman sick of being ignored by her lover, so she wants to fight with him so they can make-up for it later that weekend. The lyrics are smart, and her voice is sultry. I think it would be a great choice for a single, since there aren’t many songs like this on the radio today: in terms of sound or topic. It’s a positive change from the usual love song on country radio today. “Let’s Fight” is a sexy little song with great potential and Roberts controls her vocals with confidence on the track. It’s one of the stronger songs on the album. “Whiskey And You” is a pretty song, but unfortunately it’s just one too many ballads on the album. Her vocals explode in the chorus, and the lyrics are smart, but the song may be skipped over since there are so many slower tempo tracks on the album already. It’s still a beautiful song, and her voice is spot on, but there’s already a handful of slow songs on “Alive” that it loses some of its appeal. “Carolina From My Soul” is a song where Roberts proudly sings about where she’s from and no matter how far away she is from Carolina, that she’ll always be a Carolina girl. It opens with a piano, which at times is louder than her vocals on the verses. It’s a solid track that people can relate to who have had to move away where they’re from but still remember where they’re from. It’s a different take on the small town girl theme, although it’s probably not single material, it’s still a nice addition to the album as a whole. After everything she has been through, she once again proves that she knows who she is and won’t forget that. ”Nascar Party” closes off the album with her current single. I wasn’t sure what to think of the single at first by just looking at the cheesy title, but it’s much better than I had expected. It’s a song about her love for racing. It’s one of the few toe tapping songs on the album, and even for someone who isn’t a fan of Nascar, it’s a cute little single promoting the race track. I don’t know if I personally would have chosen it as a single, since it sounds like something for a younger singer than Roberts, but it works with her vocals. Overall, this is a much more solid album than her other releases under a record label. Roberts shines as an independent artist in full control of her career. Her confidence shows now, and it’s sad to know that she had lost her confidence as a singer during her sophomore album. If you like artists like Kellie Pickler or Jewel then this is definitely something you should check out. She also offers autographed copies of her albums if you buy them from her website instead of other retailers. Roberts voice is magical and something that many of the bigger stars today wish they had. It’s not something that can be taught, it’s a gift and a talent. Even if she doesn’t get back on to a major recording label, it might be better for the long run in terms of her artistry. After everything this woman’s been through, it helped her put together a solid album that she has to be proud of. “Alive” is available now, and it’s a smart purchase to make through her official website since she will autograph the copy for you.
Review: Julie Roberts 'Alive' By Adam I'll admit it. I've been waiting for a new Julie Roberts' album for years and was excited to hear I would be able to purchase Julie's new CD, "Alive", at one of her shows during last week's CMA Fest. That's exactly what I did. I held my breath as I put the CD in the changer in my truck, hoping I wouldn't be disappointed by the first new Julie Roberts' album since "Men and Mascara" came out about five years ago. After listening to the CD a few times, it's plain to see that Julie's strenghts lie in singing mid-tempo songs and slower ballads. Her bluesy, soulful voice shines in the track "Let's Fight", a song about injecting some passion back into a relationship where her man doesn't notice her anymore, even when she tries "dancing naked" and enticing her lover to be "anything but nice." If it's released as a single, this video will be a scorcher. Another highlight is the song, "Stronger", where Julie sings of the trials in life that make her stronger and where she finds her ultimate strength - her faith in God. Even though the song "Carolina From My Soul" is about physically leaving Carolina but always having a piece of Carolina within her, it's easy enough to plug in any state you hold dear. Julie sings it beautifully. "Whiskey And You" is a song that Tim McGraw recorded for his "Let It Go" album, but Julie has no problem making the song hers. The emotion she brings to the song from the standpoint of a woman comparing her man to whiskey, but not clearly defining which is which, is brilliant. "One For The Road" is a great song about getting together one more time with a lover before calling it quits, and "Yesterday's Blue" looks back at a failed relationship. Both songs are well-written and Julie sounds superb. The inclusion of "NASCAR Party" on the album seems out of place, but it was most likely included to bring Julie's name back into the public eye through airplay during NASCAR television promo and highlight packages. This independently released CD is a strong effort overall, and I would not be surprised to see it end up on some critic's best of 2011 list. Welcome back, Julie!
Julie Roberts Is Ready To Let Fans Know That She's 'Alive' By Alanna Conaway / Taste of Country Julie Roberts broke onto the country music scene in 2004 with her Top 20 hit ‘Break Down Here.’ The world fell in love with her silky, soulful voice and her movie-star good looks. After several other hit singles and another album, ‘Men and Mascara,’ the singer laid low before the devastating floods hit Nashville in May of 2010, destroying her home. Roberts, her mother and her dogs all survived the flood, but had to rebuild their home and their lives from the ground up. Now, the singer is back with ‘Alive,’ her first collection of new music in five years. Taste of Country recently caught up with the singer to discuss the time spent between albums, and how strength and determination has kept her head held high through personal and professional struggles. Since the release of the ‘Men and Mascara’ album in 2006, you have been through quite a bit. Can you fill us in on it all? The last five years have been different. I released my second record and played shows for a couple of years after that. Then I moved to L.A. for a year to study acting and work on a movie for Lifetime about my life. I was supposed to go out there for six weeks and work with the script writer — the guy who wrote the screenplay for ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’ I ended up loving it and loving the acting classes I was taking. I wanted to continue with those because I was still working with the writer, so I ended up staying almost a year. I came back so I could work on my music. The movie kept being put on hold — it’s still on hold — and so I realized I needed to go back and work on my record. I came back at the end of 2009, and then I worked on my record from January to the end of April. Then early May of last year was when the flood came, and we lost our house. It took us a good six months to get our life back together, so that was six months I had to take away from working on the record. I still did as much as I could, but Mama works full time, so I just kind of had to be around. That takes us up to now. As we were getting back in [the studio] in November or December [of last year], we really started honing in on my album. There have been some assembly blocks that have gotten in my way over the past five years, but I’ve just had to find my way around them. I know that singing is what I’m supposed to be doing. You sometimes don’t know why things happen the way they happen, but they do make you stronger. Is that where the song inspiration for the album cut ‘Stronger’ came from? Absolutely. I just feel like I’m a lot stronger now. I think I’m a totally different person than I was five years ago. I think I’ve grown creatively, musically and as a person. I’ve always known what’s important in life, but when things happen like the flood or when things are taken from you, you realize those are things; I’m still here … I still have my dogs, I still have my family, and that’s what’s important. I just think I’m a different person, and you can hear it on this record. I put everything that I had into this record. Did you do a lot of songwriting on this new record? I wrote half of the record. I had five years that I had been writing, and I have more where I’m ready to start another one. I have been writing, but I had to grow with it and be confident in what I wanted to say, too, on this one. Some of the songs I wrote a couple of years ago, but a lot of them on there were written more recently because I felt like I’m in a different place. ‘Stronger’ was written at the end of last year, after the flood. The album has only been available for a short period of time, but have you been getting much feedback from your fans on the new music? The ones who have it have been writing to me and saying they love the songs. I’m just good and ready to get new music to my fans. They’ve stuck by me. That’s what I live for every day, is opening up my computer and reading the messages from them because sometimes you have days where you’re like, is this what I’m supposed to be doing? I know it is, but it’s hard. Then I read their messages and it’s like, yup … this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m helping their lives in some way, and they’re helping mine, and they don’t even know it — just by telling me which songs they like. Obviously the big difference with the new record is the fact that you had everything on your shoulders. I did every part of this record. The week of the flood, Mercury [Records] and I decided to part ways. Learning all of the stuff that I never thought about before has been good for me. I know that I can help my friends who want to put out an independent record now! I can show them how to do it! I had to find people to show me how to do that. It was a huge learning curve, but I wouldn’t change it. I never really knew what mastering was. I learned what it was, and I was there every hour. I worked really hard on it. Compare the new music on ‘Alive’ to the previous two albums you recorded on Mercury Records. I wrote a lot more on this one. The story of the songs are probably are from being in a different place. Still, lyrically, they’re not much different from the other albums. I like songs that mean something to me. All of these songs are just lyrically real to me. I’ve always done songs that are real to me. Production wise, I think it’s probably more similar to my first record. I had a couple of different producers on this new record. I think we made a really great record that represents who I am musically. I think that sonically it sounds like my first record. I didn’t want any auto-tuners or anything messing with my voice. We wanted to make it as organic as we could because I don’t want to hide anything in my life, lyrically or just at all. I’ve been very open this past year about everything. One of the things you’ve opened up to recently is your ongoing battle with MS. What made you decide to share that part of your life with your fans? Right around the time that I was recording my second record, I was diagnosed with MS. I had never told anybody about that. That was in about 2005. On one of my drives back and forth to Charlotte, I had put in that record. I had stopped listening to that record because I felt like it was a time in my life that I wanted to forget. I wanted to forget having the spinal taps and the cat scans and everything that I was having to do that I didn’t tell anybody about. I even stopped singing those songs from that record. People would ask me to sing those songs in my shows, and I just wouldn’t get to them. I would play ‘Men and Mascara,’ but I wouldn’t play anything else. I thought I’d listen to that record on that drive. It was an eight hour drive. I started listening to it, and I’m going, “I love this record! I’m going to start playing it again.” When I got back to Nashville, I wrote a blog to my fans … I said, “I know that y’all have asked me to play these songs, and this is why I haven’t.” It was just a really weird time in my life, but I’m past it now. I’m just more open now. I don’t want to hide who I am and who God made me to be and the kind of music that I want to sing. That was just another one of those obstacles I had to get past. I’ve learned how to take care of myself with that. I’m excited about where I am in life now. I think I’m where God wants me to be. It took a long time, but I think it was as long as it should have taken. I think I had to live through some things so that I could give everyone this album.
By John Matthews / Country Stars Central
I have already purchased myself a CD and love it! 5 stars all the way, "Alive" is fine work of art! Each song is sang from the heart, personal experiences that Julie has gone through, many of them that we can relate to. Robert's sang many of the tracks from the new CD, including; the title track "Alive," "Yesterday's Blue" and one of my personal favorites "Stronger." Julie Roberts put on a heartfelt and vocally brilliant performance to the crowd. She also thanked everyone for being there and all the support over the years. I would definitely recommend you purchase your own copy of Julie's new CD, I am thrilled to see the talented powerhouse back in the music scene and in addition to that, Julie will be hitting the road this summer to promote "Alive." Check our her website http://www.JulieRoberts.comfor upcoming tour dates. During the show Julie also sang some of the songs we all know and love including "Rain on a Tin Roof," "Men and Mascara" and "Unlove Me." I enjoyed the whole show, and will definitely be back to hear Julie at an upcoming event. Meanwhile I will being playing "Alive" and listening to the brilliant vocals and songwriting throughout the album.
Julie Roberts Comes 'Alive' On New Record By Kristi Olsen / Country Music Tattle Tale It's been five years since we've heard new music from Julie Roberts, but she's back and better than ever with her new independent release, "Alive." Her self-titled debut (released in 2004) and her follow-up, "Men and Mascara" (released in 2006), continue to be what I think are two of the greatest country records of the previous decade; "Alive" looks to be one of the most promising albums of the current decade. I feel so strongly about it that if you ask me in ten years what the best country records of the decade were, I can pretty much guarantee that I would still include "Alive." Roberts had a hand in writing six of the album's 12 tracks, including the lead-off single "NASCAR Party." For all you race fans out there, this song is to NASCAR what "Are You Ready For Some Football?" is to the NFL. I don't even like NASCAR, but somehow it still makes me want to go to a race. There's a chance this could be the song you hear before a race starts on TV. Maybe you should contact NASCAR and tell them how much you love the song. I'm just sayin'… One of my favorite songs on the record is "Mama Said Don't." It's the perfect song to start off the album with its fun, upbeat groove and the rebellious lyrics of a girl who wants nothing more than to do the opposite of what her mother wants her to do -- "Every time mama said don't, I did." If you wanna talk about soul, let's talk about Julie Roberts because ain't nobody got more soul in country music than Miss Julie Roberts! Phew. "Stronger" is one of those songs that makes me want to yell AMEN! at the top of my lungs in church. It's about learning how to give up on doing everything yourself; instead, lean on God to get you through life's rough patches. Everyone has one of those "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" songs, but this song is on a whole different playing field. Good luck trying to top this one, boys and girls. There's a good chance you're gonna need to go to church anyway after listening to "Let's Fight." Julie says she was inspired to write this song after watching the Patsy Cline bio-flick "Sweet Dreams." Patsy's husband never paid her any mind until they would fight and then, well…I guess fighting is the only thing that leads to the bedroom for some people. Whether you like the lyrics or not, this song will be stuck in your head for days on end after you hear it. Her voice alone is going to be enough to melt most grown men; combine it with the lyrics, and you've got yourself some baby-making music. Born and raised in South Carolina, Julie now lives in Nashville. Brooks & Dunn once sang that "you can take the girl outta the honky-tonk, but you can't take the honky-tonk outta the girl." Julie says "Remember who you are. You can't take Carolina from my soul." She may be in Tennessee now, but her heart will always be in Carolina. If I had to explain Julie Roberts' voice in one word, that word would be sincere. It reminds me of a quote by Hank Williams on the outside of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville: "You ask what makes our kind of music successful. I'll tell you. It can be explained in just one word: Sincerity." Without sincerity, nobody is going to listen to your record and take you seriously. Every single lyric that comes out of Julie's mouth oozes truth, honesty, and sincerity -- something many people in country music today could learn from. The last female vocalist to move me so much was Lee Ann Womack; and before that, Tammy Wynette. Not bad company to be in, right? "Alive" is country music in its purest form. There is nothing remotely contrived about any aspect of this record. The lyrics, the musicianship, the vocals, and the feeling behind each and every phrase is what makes this album so special. If you like your country like I do -- real, raw, and soulful with more than a little touch of twang -- you need to buy this record. You can buy it digitally on iTunes and Amazon, but I'd recommend buying it through her official web site where she will personally autograph a copy for you.
Julie Roberts Fan Appreciation Party by Kristi Olson / Country Music Tattle Tale Julie Roberts packed the house at Nashville's Listening Room Cafe for her CMA Fest Fan Party with approximately 200 fans showing up to hear her sing. Roberts is hands down one of the most underrated country singers on the planet. Her 20+ song set was one of the greatest performances I have seen in quite some time. She sang songs from her self-titled debut album, her sophomore effort "Men and Mascara," and her brand new record "Alive." She also threw in a gospel medley and, my personal favorite, a cover of Hank Williams Jr's "Family Tradition" in which she made her sister come up on stage with her and sing with her. It's been a while since Julie's fans have gotten new music from her and it was obvious that they were loving every minute of the new material. As I looked around the room, all I could see were smiles and paparazzi-like camera flashes. Her blues-soaked, down home country voice is refreshing in a world where sugar-coated pop music is beginning to take over country radio. It wasn't just her new music that impressed me; it was the love and appreciation she had for her fans. It was evident that she was loving every single moment of being with them. She was constantly smiling, even during the depressing songs. It warmed my heart to see someone so genuinely happy to be doing what they love. After the show, she stayed and talked with the fans for hours...and I mean hours. I stood by and watched as she talked with each and every fan and made them feel as if they were the only person in the room. In fact, she spent a good ten minutes with some people. It was a beautiful thing to see an artist and a fan share such a special connection. Keep in mind, Julie was up bright & early for press before the City of Hope softball game, then played in the game, immediately left to do an autograph session at the CMA Fest Fan Fair Hall, then went directly to the Listening Room to soundcheck, and then perform 20+ songs. With as much time and effort as she's putting into her career at this point, she deserves nothing but success.
Julie Roberts 'Alive' And Better Than Ever Julie Roberts' long-awaited new album, 'Alive,' is available exclusively through iTunes and her official website starting today (June 7), nearly five years to the day after the release of her sophomore album, 'Men and Mascara.' Although the South Carolina native stepped away from the spotlight for a self-imposed professional hiatus, her challenging personal life has marked the release of her latest project as a triumphant launch back onto the country music scene. Since her last album, Julie lost her home and car in the 2010 Nashville floods, broke her ankle trying to escape the flood waters and revealed she's battling Multiple Sclerosis. Still, the resilient beauty is counting her blessings. "Thank you all for being patient with me as I wrote and recorded this album," Julie writes on her website. "You have stuck by me through so much and I am blessed to have you in my life. See you on the road soon!" The singer released the video for 'NASCAR Party' last week to overwhelming fan support. Julie will be hitting the road this summer to promote 'Alive.' Check out her tour dates here, and order an autographed copy of her new album here.
Review: Julie Roberts 'Alive' Tuesday, June 7, 2011 / That Nashville Sound The Background- Alive is Roberts third album and the first released independently after two critically lauded albums on the Mercury Nashville label. Roberts' self-titled debut record was certified gold, and garnered her a Top 20 hit "Break Down Here," as well as two prestigious Country Music Association (CMA) "Top New Artist" nominations. Men & Mascara opened up at #4 on the Hot Country Album Charts without ever charting a radio single. Five years removed from Men & Mascara, Roberts returns with new music. The Review- Julie Roberts is throwback. In a modern country world where Jason Aldean raps and acts eschew steel guitar and fiddle for layers of electric guitar, here sits Roberts as a reminder of all of the best parts of country music from decades past. From the minute she opens her mouth and lets loose with that soulful voice, you instantly get the feel that she was born in the shadow of the classics like Tammy Wynette and Lynn Anderson. Steel guitar and fiddle aren’t to decorate song bridges, they’re part of her soul. No tracks exemplify this fact more than on the stunning ballad “Carolina from My Soul” or the nostalgic “Yesterday’s Blue.” On “Carolina” Roberts pays tribute to her native South Carolina that is contrasted beautifully with lyrics of a difficult relationship that sucks the light from her eyes. Her home state and upbringing remain the foundation by which she continues to survive through this difficult relationship, the ship that keeps her afloat. The well-documented story of how Julie and her mother escaped a bad situation in her younger years only adds to the autobiographical power to the song. “Yesterday’s Blue,” co-written with One Flew South’s Chris Roberts, is even a more intentional slice of nostalgia. She channels her best inner 50’s Patsy Cline on this track. Twin fiddles and steel guitar and playful lyrics bring out the best in Roberts’ style and vocals. Roberts also soars on another classic ballad, "Whiskey and You." Roberts carefully compares and contrasts the differences between bourbon and a significant other- suggesting that getting over a whisky hangover is easier than a relationship. Her intimate vocals and delicate delivery of this tune draw comparisons to best of Patty Loveless and Pam Tillis ballads. This approach seems to work best on the songs with lyrical bite as “One for the Road” exemplifies another terrific heartbreak ballad. A couple has come down to the end of the relationship and have an opportunity for one last memory to hold on to before they part ways. She suggests that they spend one last night together making love as that memory. At once sultry and sad, it’s got lyrical teeth and music production that matches perfectly. Only the last track feels somewhat out of place. The twelve-track album closes with a commercial song written for racing’s largest organization called “NASCAR Party.” Imagine Hank Jr’s “Are You Ready For Some Football” or Faith Hill’s Sunday Night Football theme. On an album that never strays far off course from an approach that lines up well with the music from her first two albums, this particular track doesn’t fit with the others. Roberts is a truly a gifted vocalist with a passion for the classic country she grew up on listening to in her mother’s pick-up truck. It shines through like a beacon on nearly every track. For the listener who appreciates that approach and that beautiful soulful southern twang voice, this is a treat for a music collection. Suggested Tracks- Yesterday’s Blue, You Got Me, Whiskey and You, Carolina from My Soul, One for the Road Sounds Like- Faith Hill’s early stuff playing on the AM dial The Verdict- Three and a half stars out of five
Julie Roberts Returns With A 'NASCAR Party' By Cory Stromblad at The Boot The wait is over! After a five-year hiatus from recording, Julie Roberts is set to release her new project, 'Alive,' which will feature the song, 'NASCAR Party.' The blond beauty posted the tune's accompanying video on her Facebook page yesterday (May 23). (Watch it below.) "The countdown is on NOW!" Julie triumphantly exclaims on her website. "I will have the first physical copies of my CD for sale at the NASCAR All-Star Race in Charlotte, N.C. on May 21 ... then it should be for sale on iTunes by June 7, but hopefully sooner than that if possible!!" The South Carolina native took to her blog last month to explain her noticeable absence from county radio. In addition to falling victim to the horrific floods that ravaged middle Tennessee, the singer disclosed she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during the recording process for her sophomore album, 'Men and Mascara.' "Thank you all for being patient with me as I wrote and recorded this album," Julie writes. "You have stuck by me through so much and I am blessed to have you in my life. See you on the road soon!" Fans can visit Julie's newly-designed website to find out where the singer will be performing in the coming months.
Julie Roberts Performs 'NASCAR Party' At Race By Lynn Hoppes at ESPN.com
"The first time I went to a NASCAR track was a few years ago in Atlanta when I sang the national anthem, and I was hooked instantly on the sport," said Roberts, known for hits "Break Down Here" and "Men and Mascara." "I had watched it on TV growing up in South Carolina but it's a totally different experience when you're right there. Everyone was down to earth, and it was so exciting." So Roberts, working with NASCAR, produced a video -- shot at the Texas Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Motor Speedway -- and televised it on the 200-foot wide by 80-feet tall screen at the race. She then performed a concert along the speedway's frontstretch following the race. 'I wanted the song to be uptempo for my fans out there," said Roberts about the song on her recently released third CD called "Alive", which is available in stores now and on iTunes June 7. "And when people see the video and see how much fun NASCAR is, they will try to get out there themselves." For Roberts, it's been a long road back. Born in Lancaster, S.C., she performed at festivals and nursing homes as a teen before heading to college at Belmont University in Nashville to study business administration. She worked for Mercury Nashville Records and eventually recorded a demo tape. She released two CDs to moderate success with several songs hitting the hot country charts. But, while working on those albums, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Her confidence for performing was shaken and she has slowly worked her way back to the stage. Then, on top of that, in May 2010, her Nashville home was destroyed by rampant flood waters. But today is a different story. And Roberts is set for a comeback. "My favorite song on this new CD is called 'Stronger', because I believe everything happens for a reason," Roberts said. "After all I've gone through, I'm so much stronger today. And after I performed Saturday, I saw these people line up to get my autograph and buy my CDs, and I knew I was going to be OK." |
Country Stars Central were blessed to be present at Julie Roberts recent Fan Club Appreciation Party. The party took place during CMA Fest 2011 on June 11th, 2011 at The Listening Room in Nashville, Tennessee. The packed house enjoyed both songs from Julie's previous albums and her brand new album "Alive." Signed Hard Copy CD's are available at Julie Roberts Official website at: 
Country singer