When Mila Mason first moved to Nashville, she came to write songs. In 1996, Mason emerged as a recording artist with a single called "That's Enough of That," which garnered her significant attention and a debut album with the same title. After a second album producing her signature song, "Darkhorse," Mason faded from the airwaves to continue honing her songwriting. Now, the call of record-making has led Mason and her blond curls to a new label and a self-written album entitled Stained Glass Window. The album has only ten cuts, which is unusual considering the new trend is a 12-14 cut release; it's a good thing sometimes less is more. The staple cut is "Maybe, Maybe Not," a story about coincidence so finely crafted by Mason and writing partner Jim Collins that not only are the images of a quarter tumbling in the dryer vivid and real, but the melody is also infectious. Cut two, "What Are the Odds," also a story of fate, is about getting back a five-dollar bill with a personal message written years before. The title cut is deeply personal and teaches a great lesson about not being overly judgmental. Mason's duet with husband and co-writer, Jason Grainger, on the religious love song "Somebody Must Love Me," comes out a bit uneven, as Grainger's R&B-tinged vocals (his style evokes the image of a male Tracy Chapman) contrast greatly with Mason's sultry rasp. The Hammond organ in the background is a nice touch, though, and the writing is superb. Grainger's writing influence is also part of "Blame It on Me," an ironically positive, up-tempo tune. What this album really has going for it is rhythm and soul. Not all of the songs are top-notch, but the musical arrangements are original and appealing. Mason clearly has plenty to offer country music.
© Rick Cohoon /TiVo