Kimberley Locke - Based on a True Story

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, All Music Guide