By By Emilia Benton

Classic country still sells. This point was proven by Martina McBride after her newest album, Timeless, debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number three on the Billboard Top 200 the week of its release.

McBride is famous for performing contemporary country music, including hits like “This One’s For The Girls” and “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” She has also tackled more serious issues, with controversial hits such as “Independence Day.” However, fans of country music can rest assured that Timeless is an album complete with straightforward, classic country songs.

McBride’s latest studio effort proves change is good, and something old can be made into something new, providing listeners with a collection of 18 classics. Timeless includes songs written and popularized by many Country Music Hall of Fame members. McBride pays a faithful tribute to these country icons, which include Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash and more.

The first single on Timeless is a powerful version of “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden,” a hit made popular by Lynn Anderson in 1970. McBride is not usually known for collaborating with other artists, but she shows that she’s capable of this as well with a sentimental duet with Dolly Parton called “I Still Miss Someone,” which pays tribute to Johnny Cash.

Timeless is the first album that she produced without her usual co-producer, and it’s apparent that the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year definitely had success with this venture.

Timeless is just plain fun to listen to. These songs are the very roots of country music and this album’s overall feeling is one of relaxation, like a warm fireplace on a cold evening.