Country music fans on a college campus are few and far between, even in the state that claims the genre as its own. Its audience is rooted in an older, and maybe simpler, generation.

Rissi Palmer's self-titled debut alludes to the music that made Nashville the go-to city for aspiring and established country artists alike. Picture a mix of classic and contemporary that has earned her commercial success, as well as critical acclaim that is foreign to many in the country scene.

Add the fact that she is twenty-something black artist and the picture gets a lot more interesting.

That is significant because the number of commercially successful black artists since the beginning country music can be counted on one hand.  However, there are no boundaries in music, and this album is no exception.

She teamed up with the most respected songwriters and producers in the business to produce a record with country flavor.  This is not a pop album with the occasional steel guitar.  Her band is classic country, with instrumental interludes and solos reminiscent of LeAnn Rimes and Deana Carter.

Palmer wrote or co-wrote nearly all the songs on the album, and her vocal talent is perhaps more convincing than her writing.  Although she tries to give the whole album some twang, she occasionally loses her direction. 

"Country Girl" is the most radio-friendly (and least country) song on the record.  It is also her biggest hit.  Fortunately for fans of true country, the rest of the album delivers the goods.

 She sings about looking for love on "Butterflies" ["It's ok to want the best / Hold out for perfection and damn the rest"], about finding it on "Love you Like a Woman," and losing it on "Leavin' on Your Mind."  Her vocals on the latter are strong and soulful, and she doesn't have the kind of heavy country drawl that makes you reach for the "Pause" button on your iPod.

All in all, this is a pretty solid first offering from the young songstress. Hopefully her fan base will continue to grow, as well as her ability to write great country music. Get ready to see Rissi Palmer's name headlining at Thompson-Boling Arena in the near future.

Overall rating: 3.5 / 5

Track to check out: Hold On To Me