Shakin' Things Up cover

Shakin' Things Up

Lorrie Morgan · 1997

38 min · 11 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of contemporary country sounds infused with Morgan's signature emotional storytelling and melodic flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shakin’ Things Up Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, embodying the essence of empowerment prevalent throughout the record.
  • →
    You Can’t Take That — This track highlights Morgan's vocal prowess, delivering a poignant message about resilience and self-worth that resonates deeply with listeners.
  • →
    I’m Not That Easy to Forget — A standout ballad that showcases Morgan's ability to convey vulnerability, this song captures the complexity of love and longing with nuanced lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that sets a mid-tempo pace, followed by several tracks that maintain this energy before introducing slower ballads in the second half.
  • Lorrie Morgan's vocal delivery often features dynamic shifts, moving from soft, intimate moments to powerful, soaring choruses across multiple tracks.
  • Several songs incorporate prominent instrumental solos, particularly guitar and fiddle, which enhance the traditional country sound while supporting the lyrical themes.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • heartfelt narratives for connection
  • vibrant energy for gatherings
  • catchy hooks for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — This album is well-regarded among fans for its emotional storytelling and sound.
Themes
small-town resilience· complex love stories
Career context
By the time Lorrie Morgan released 'Shakin' Things Up' in 1997, she was already an established artist, following her successful album 'Something in Red'. This release came during a period when she was solidifying her place in the country music scene, showcasing her growth as both a vocalist and songwriter.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I’m Not That Easy to Forget

    The verse shifts from reflection to a strong declaration of identity, emphasizing personal significance in a past relationship.

    This transition asserts agency, contrasting with earlier moments of doubt, which underscores the song's theme of self-empowerment.

Tracklist

  • 1 Shakin’ Things Up Start here 3:09
  • 2 One of Those Nights Tonight 3:51
  • 3 You Can’t Take That 4:00
  • 4 Go Away 2:50
  • 5 Crazy From the Heat 3:41
  • 6 I’m Not That Easy to Forget 3:16
  • 7 I’ve Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand 3:52
  • 8 Finishing Touch 2:39
  • 9 You’d Think He’d Know Me Better 4:13
  • 10 Will You Love Me Tomorrow 3:14
  • 11 In a Perfect World 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata