Kimberley Locke's second album is very much like her first. Like
One Love, released three full years prior,
Based on a True Story is a polished, professional set of mature pop songs, and though several songs are samey and not all that memorable, not one is poor, and they all get by on
Locke's talent and likable nature. There are hints of contemporary country, straight-ahead rock, and inspirational adult contemporary, while the most modern-sounding songs fall into the realm of urban-oriented dance-pop -- like "Doin' It Tonight," a
Neptunes knockoff that is actually a few years too late, and "Supawoman," which might have been written with
Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" in mind. It's a safe, pleasant album that should satisfy
Locke's fans, though it probably will not excite them. Included is a bonus cover of
Freda Payne's "Band of Gold," a song she performed very successfully on American Idol with
Frenchie Davis. ~ Andy Kellman