She says it's always been difficult for her to describe her music, yet it only took us one word to define it.  It's powerful.  Combining strong, clear vocals with a past of well-selected songs, such as the soul-stirring "Independence Day" and "A Broken Wing", Martina McBride sings with a powerful emotion that skirts on the edges of each note she breathes, each lyric she feels.  Without consciously being aware, captivated admirers find themselves waiting with breath held just to hear her let go, to hear her let that same magical emotion take over as she lets loose on one of those long notes that seems to go on forever.  Then, when she finally does, the power of it reaches out to touch every listener — from audience members to those at home.

On her fifth album, aptly and simply titled Emotion, the CMA Top Female Vocalist remains in true "Martina form", with mesmerizing vocals and appealing songs.  The album's lead single, "I Love You" from the Runaway Bride film/soundtrack, has already become a fan favorite and has reveled in chart-topping success, both as a single and as a video.  The song reminds us of McBride's playful, more energetic side, while numbers like the dramatic stylings of "This Uncivil War" and "From The Ashes" keep with a chilling effect that some of her previous hits have offered.

A few "groovier" tunes on Emotion, to go along with the smooth and steady rhythm of "I Love You", are "Do What You Do", "I Ain't Goin' Nowhere", and "It's My Time".  Each has a mid-tempo and almost happy beat; however, "It's My Time" is more inspirational in its message, with the hard-drivin' melody backing up the newfound strength of the song's main character.

Even as its slower arrangement wouldn't be considered as hard-drivin' as "It's My Time", the content of "Anything's Better Than Feelin' The Blues" presents a nice twist of humor and misery.  More twists and turns can be found in the ravings of "Love's The Only House".

Although we enjoyed all twelve tracks of the disc, we particularly liked "Make Me Believe" and the delicately sung ballad of "There You Are", which tends to draw attention back to the singer once again.

She could softly sing of love, rev it up on more alternative-style numbers; she could sing of a woman's strength in letting go, or of pain often found in holding on.  Regardless of what it is she's singing, Martina McBride's music proves that it really isn't so difficult to describe.  It's passionate in nature, compelling in sincerity, impelling in essence, but, mostly, it's powerful in emotion. 

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