Crystal Sands SELF-TITLED ©2008 Ah-Ha Music Group Review by Lucky Boyd As I’ve said so many times, getting by in this business requires a hundred things to fall into place all at the same time. Ninety-five won’t get it, and ninety-six is an uphill climb. You don’t want to try this without a voice. Crystal Sands has the voice. Her pure country delivery is exactly what you want from this album after seeing the cover. Wood Newton pens most of the tracks and is adept at writing for an excellent artist like Sands. One of those hundred things is a passion for the geographical aspect of your music. Crystal Sands wanted so much to be a part of the Texas music scene that she packed up and moved to Texas. That’s dedication. Sands does not disappoint on this, her debut offering. Her natural country twang is subtle and tasteful, leaving the listener wanting more. The songs are mostly upbeat and fun, making this a great two-step album. You have to wait until track 12 for the perfunctory waltz, but it’s a good one. The best Texas-sounding cut is “These Are Them” and Sands delivers it perfectly. Pristine at every turn, you’ll enjoy this full-on country album from the beginning. This release puts Crystal Sands in the 97-98 range, leaving just a couple of things needing to fall into place to propel her to stardom. You can do your part by picking up this album today. Yes, moving product is one of the hundred. Get your copy now! Stats: 12 tracks; Country; replicated; jewel case; 4/4 full color insert with liner notes; full color disc; Produced by Wood Newton and Carl Ray; Engineer: Charles English; 2nd unit producer Kelly Lang; Instrumentalists: Charles English, Jam Sales, Steve Hinson, Mike Johnson, Freddy Satterfield, Gary Branchaud, Garland Craft, Chris Carmichael, Joe Spivey; Additional vocalists: Kim Morrison, Sarah Majors, Ron Williams; 2nd unit instrumentalists: Buck Jarrell, Tim Atwood, John Heinrich, Ric Wright, Dan Justice, Deenie Richardson; Running time: approx 41 minutes.