Wynonna & the Big Noise cover

Released 10 years ago

Wynonna & the Big Noise

Wynonna Judd · 2016

51 min · 12 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of country and folk that showcases Wynonna's powerful vocals against a backdrop of rich instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ain’t No Thing — This upbeat opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy melody and lyrics about resilience and positivity, establishing Wynonna's renewed energy.
  • →
    Jesus and a Jukebox — This song blends spirituality with nostalgic themes, illustrating Wynonna's ability to weave personal storytelling into broader cultural references while showcasing her vocal range.
  • →
    Choose to Believe — 'Choose to Believe' encapsulates the album's overarching themes of hope and perseverance, featuring anthemic choruses that resonate deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and vocal performance but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
  • Wynonna's vocals are layered with harmonies in several tracks, creating a rich vocal texture that complements the instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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 groove throughout
  • uplifting themes of love and
  • for casual gatherings
  • heartfelt anthems for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 12, 2016, 'Wynonna & the Big Noise' marked Wynonna Judd's return to music after a hiatus following her last solo album in 2009. This self-titled album represents a new chapter in her career, aligning her with a full band for the first time since her earlier work with The Judds, allowing for a fresh sound while maintaining her signature style.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Every Ending (Is a New Beginning)

    The final verse shifts to a more reflective tone, discussing acceptance and renewal as life moves forward.

    This moment signifies a thematic culmination of the album, emphasizing growth through change as it contrasts earlier, more energetic tracks.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ain’t No Thing 4:54
  • 2 Cool Ya 3:28
  • 3 Things I Lean On 3:40
  • 4 You Make My Heart Beat Too Fast 3:32
  • 5 Staying in Love 4:10
  • 6 Keeps Me Alive 4:11
  • 7 Jesus and a Jukebox 3:48
  • 8 I Can See Everything 5:03
  • 9 Something You Can’t Live Without 5:33
  • 10 You Are So Beautiful 5:02
  • 11 Every Ending (Is a New Beginning) 3:53
  • 12 Choose to Believe 3:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata