Crystal Bernard - The Girl Next Door (1996)

Girl Next Door is Crystal Bernard's first full-fledged country album. Prior to its release, Bernard had previously sung and wrote mainstream pop hits for the likes of Paula Abdul and Peter Cetera, so it isn't surprising that her take on country is filled with pop flourishes. Essentially, Bernard takes a simple song structure, arranges it as an adult contemporary song and adds country instruments. Though the results can occasionally be diverting -- particularly on uptempo numbers -- it isn't particularly country. Nevertheless, Bernard has a surprisingly strong voice and the album is well-produced. It just doesn't rise above background music.

Review by Thom Owens