Canadian country-pop veteran Shania Twain underwhelms on “Poor Me,” the second single from her forthcoming comeback album, ‘Now.’

Shania Twain is now 51 years old! That’s hard to believe.  Also, hard to believe is the fact that the country-pop artist has been missing in action for 15 years. That’s set to change in late September as she drops her comeback album, Now.  Twain gave us a taste of what a new Shania Twain album will sound like in 2017 with “Life’s About to Get Good.” She returns with round two, “Poor Me.”

The first observation one will make about “Poor Me” is how pronouncedly the pop sensibilities are.  While “Life’s About to Get Good” amped on pop as well, there was a dash more country.  “Poor Me,” on the other hand, sounds slicker like modern pop.  There’s no shame in this game – Twain is doing the near-impossible after being out of the game so long.  There’s are a few country cues, but they’re not overt. That said, does “Poor Me” suit the vet perfectly? Meh.

“Poor Me” certainly plays better after a couple of listens. Initially, however, it’s a bit questionable. Vocally, the mix is odd.  Too often, Shania Twain sounds as if she’s singing in an undertone, without much bite. She has some respectable nuances, but the vocals just don’t pop.  This isn’t merely the fault of one person, but a number of folks involved.  Listening to the song, the listener is left a bit confused and ultimately, underwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Poor Me” is a disappointment.  Perhaps a couple of more listens will solidify it in good graces, but for now, it doesn’t sound like a hit.  The pop cues are in play, something that we’ve known Shania Twain for, but this just doesn’t quite gel.  Something is missing.  Nonetheless, it doesn’t temper down excitement for her comeback album.

Shania Twain • Now • Mercury Nashville • Release: 9.29.17

Photo Credit: Mercury Nashville