For fans of Holly Dunn, it has been a long drought between albums. the recent release of Life And Love And All The Stages is a welcome end to Dunn's self-imposed absence from the airwaves.
    Life And Love is a mature effort that showcases the writing talents of Dunn and longtime co-writers Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters. With the exception of "It's Not About Blame" (a Linda Hargrove and Chris Waters number), Dunn co-wrote every tune and even went the solo route on the uptempo "Rock-A-Billy."
    "Cowboys Are My Weakness" is a true-to-life aspect of Dunn's love of cowboys.
    Other cuts on the album cover the spectrum of life and love and all its stages. "It's Not About Blame," "The Wonder Of Love," "Lovin' Every Minute," "What Kind Of Love," and "I'd Know That Heartache Anywhere" all examine different degrees and stages of relationships.
   Dunn certainly must enjoy the sassy attitude afforded when she sings the first cut "I Am Who I Am," which comes across as an ode to her independence and ability to survive.
   That independence is obvious throughout Life And Love, which Dunn also co-produced. Life And Love effectively serves as Dunn's "new beginning."

-Charlton Wiggins