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List Price: $17.98 | | Label: Dualtone Music Group
Salesrank: 20109
Released: February 22, 2005 |
| Our Price: $0.45 |
| Used Price: $0.35 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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The Metropolitan Hotel Track Listing:
1. it's the song
2. back of the bottom drawer
3. i got him ready for you
4. the river
5. just the way we did it
6. the bumper of my S.U.V.
7. your shirt
8. between a mother and a child
9. southside of lonesome
10. wheels
11. c'est la vie (you never can tell)
12. what if I can't say no again
Editorial Review:
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Description of The Metropolitan Hotel:
The centerpiece to this sixth album by soulful country balladeer Chely Wright is "The Bumper of My S.U.V.," a song about the sort of patriotism that runs deeper than partisan sniping and that will therefore likely hit home with listeners on all sides of the political divide. As the album's primary producer and songwriter, Wright takes control of her artistry here, with material that has more depth and a sound that is less polished than what often dominates the airwaves. The narrative ambition of Wright's "The River," which features Vince Gill providing vocal counterpoint, merits comparison with the Bruce Springsteen song of the same title, while the prickly relationship detailed in "Between a Mother and a Child" is too painful not to ring true. Lightening the mood is a romp through Chuck Berry's "C'est La Vie (You Never Can Tell)." With the opening "It's the Song" (written by Bonnie Baker and Katrina Elam), Wright puts the emphasis on the strength of the material, and proceeds to deliver, with a selection devoid of filler. --Don McLeese
The Metropolitan Hotel Reviews:
Not her greatest work 
2008-12-15 - As much as I love Chely Wright, and DANG SHE IS BEAUTIFUL, I can't give this album the two thumbs up I wish I could. I am a big fan and loved the album Single White Female, and Let Me In, but I don't think this album was up to that level. I am a fan of Crossover Country Music--the not so twangy kind, so those are my musical tastes. Chely Wright has a signature style of telling a story with a song--kind of like Garth Brooks. However, the story doesn't always hold together well, or rhyme well, or make a good song. Back of the Bottom Drawer was probably the best song-but it's not enough to justify buying the whole album IMO. That said, I love Chely Wright, but this is not her finest work. You might be better off buying Let Me In if you don't have that one.
A Masterpiece 
2007-12-29 - This is one of the best albums I have ever heard! It is a wonderful collection of songs which blends contempory and alternative country brilliantly. Every track is great and ranges from mid-tempo (Just the Way We Do it), fast (C'est La Vie) to slow (What if I Can't Say No Again). And the sequencing of the songs means that you get some emotional relief with something like Your Shirt after a track such as the political (but not uncomfortably so) Bumper of my SUV.
There are also some great story songs like Back of My Bottom Drawer and, probably the most detailed and emotional track, The River. And there aren't just ballads like (apart from the above) Wheels, Southside of Lonesome and Between a Mother and a Child, but catchy, foot taping tracks such as I Got Him Ready for You, Your Shirt and Just the Way We Do It. This is an album that will enchant you, relax you and make you think. And once you've been taken on this emotional and encaptivating journey, you can sing along to the classic Chuck Berry cover C'est La Vie (You Never Can Tell). Chely wrote many of the songs here, the best ones being the ones she did write, and hearing her tell us all of this is truly engaging.
This is my latest all-time favourite album!
Buy it, hear it, treasure it!
Wright writes 
2007-08-07 - This is quite a personal album from Chely Wright. She took out her pen for this one and wrote much of the album, with the result that most all of the songs are about her life and experiences. "C'est la vie" is a bouncy, quick remake. Otherwise, the music is pretty mature and thoughtful stuff, like The River [about a river back home where people Chely knew drowned] and Bumper of My SUV [apolitic musing on war and military service]. Takes some serious listening, the tunes aren't very catchy. Maybe I'm kinda shallow, but that's why I just didn't feel it enough to give it 5 stars. Solid return to recording by Chely, though, and it's got a lot of her in it, which is the mark of a more serious artist.
A little different than her others
2007-05-29 - Chely Wright definitely has to be one of the most beautiful singers of our time. Her beautiful looks and silky voice is definitely a nice combination, worthy of a look/listen. Although I tend to favor her ballads over the up-tempo tunes, Chely does a good job of mixing up both styles in this album. The album also doesn't come up short on messages either, as "The Bumber Of My SUV" serves as a patriotic anthem to those that may oppose military acts/actions of our native land. "The River" is a also a nice addition to the album as well, with a nice blend of soft vocals and a catchy tune. "I Got Him Ready For You" sends a message to those of us that have felt hurt by the fact that our dedication to a relationship consequently leads to the ex-partner becoming a better match for someone else, due to the pain and suffering that teaches valuable lessons to the parties in a relationship-gone-wrong. "Between A Mother And Child" is a nice homage to the relationship of a different kind, a parental relationship that is bonded by unconditional love. If you prefer a more traditional, non-message-filled (but enjoyable) tune, then perhaps you'd rather listen to "Southside Of Lonesome" or "What If I Can't Say No Again". Both are tender ballads with a definite touch of country, which Chely never steers away from. If you're a fan of country music, then this album may catch your fancy. If you prefer more of the contemporary, pop-style of country, then maybe Faith Hill or Shania Twain would be a better bet for you.
Brilliant and Inspired
2007-04-20 - I love Chely's eloquent alto on The Metropolitan Hotel; it is extremely moving and demonstrates a matuirty which serves her well. Single White Female was a great single and album, but this one's better. Chely produced this one; she's an older, wiser, more confident woman whose writing, like her voice, has never been better. Her best writing is confessional, yet accessible to any fan. For Country to work, you have to be able to relate to the song- and that sentiment is undeniable on this CD. "Between a Mother and a Child" is especially poignant. Likewise, "Back of the Bottom Drawer" is mature and delivered with conviction. "I Got Him Ready For You" sounds confessional; we all have regrets. Bottom line, give this CD a chance. Chely is more raw and emotional than most of what's coming out now.
I cannot say enough about "Bumper of My SUV." What a heart-felt anthem! I am a veteran and understand exactly what she's saying. Don't worry Chely, we know there are more supportive people than the "haters" who could never understand our patriotism. The sentiments she expresses bring tears to my eyes- this is in the same league with Alan Jackson's "Where Were You" (When The World Stopped Turning), the best post9-11 anthem. Chely, God Bless You. You represent the best of America, just like the U.S. Marines.
