Our Pick: Crystal Shawanda - Just Like You

It seems there is always one or two Aboriginal music artists that get to make a serious dent in mainstream radio airplay at any one time and these last few years, Ontario’s Crystal Shawanda is the Aboriginal community’s music superstar.

Crystal makes warm and inviting music that fans easily embrace along with their other country superstars. Fame has not changed this approachable queen of country, who presents down-home singing with a lot of class.

Shawanda’s newest CD was released this year and firmly established Canada’s connection with Nashville. Shawanda has a full rich voice with just enough twang to establish her credibility as a country singer, a step above the many pop country singers that are filling mainstream radio charts.

I wish I could tell you about the depth of the songs and musicianship. Instead, I’ll give you a taste, as this album leads off with some country classic guitar on “Closer”, a great opening to what follows. “Someone Who Loves You” gives that swaying song that will have you tapping your feet. “Beautiful Day” slows down to give you a breather, no less melodic than what came before, in celebration of how even a normal day can be great. Following this you will find a foot stomping, down and dirty, groove laden song, “Chains.” This song will encourage more dancers on the floor increasing their sway factor as it follows a deep throbbing rhythm that completely rocks.

“Just Like You” will easily be the soundtrack of many people’s lives both musically and lyrically. Shawanda includes all the requirements of a masterpiece country album from broken hearts to barn burning dance songs. But be warned, it won’t be hard to find a few music players stuck on repeat. For an artist that is reaching the top of the music success ladder, you will not feel she is out of reach because in truth, in her heart and life's tribulations, through her original songs, she is Just Like You.