Eleven

Martina McBride may be alluding to some strong numerological beliefs here. The country-pop singer’s 11th studio album, Eleven, contains 11 songs and was released in the 11th month of 2011. “One Night” opens with genre crossover aplomb, as McBride sings an inspired and impassioned insta-hit over huge, stadium-friendly drum beats, panoramic guitar chimes, and, of course, her signature soaring vocals. The more playful “Always Be This Way” follows with a beachy bounce and subtle nods to reggae rhythms, suggesting that on that one McBride might be going for a vibe that’s Blake Shelton by way of Jimmy Buffett. Conversely, the moving ballad “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” is a truly triumphant and powerful song about fighting and surviving breast cancer with the unconditional love and support of one’s life partner. Fans of the San Francisco group Train are in for a treat with McBride’s cover of its “Marry Me,” a duet with the band’s frontman, Pat Monahan. The buoyant “Broken Umbrella” is a throwback gem that recalls I Am Shelby Lynne, with classic instrumentation and hints of Dusty Springfield.