Kellie Pickler has received some of the best reviews of her career for 100 Proof, an album that foregrounds her traditional country influences. Critics consistently praise her decision to move away from the pop-leaning, quirky persona of her first two records and embrace a more mature, natural sound that suits her voice and artistic identity.
New York Newsday awards 100 Proof a B+, noting that the album’s early tracks are a dramatic departure from the sassy, kooky image Pickler cultivated on television. The review highlights a strong, potent opening section that recasts Pickler as a leading lady in country music, even if it finds the album’s latter half less compelling.
The Associated Press observes that Pickler draws a clear line toward hardcore country on her third album. The AP emphasizes her co-written track “Unlock That Honky Tonk” as a mission statement—calling for a return to the down-home sounds that helped define the genre—and asserts that Pickler’s performances validate that direction.
In a track-by-track piece, USA Today praises Pickler for setting aside Nashville pop to pursue a more soulful country approach. The reviewer finds the result especially satisfying for fans who followed her on American Idol, singling out several songs as standout moments and indicating a strong overall impression.
The Washington Post offers a more reserved take, suggesting the album doesn’t always reveal a decisive or distinctive point of view. While acknowledging Pickler’s nod to classic country influences like Tammy Wynette, this review calls some of the material decent but ultimately unremarkable.
New York Daily News gives the album three out of five stars but is favorable about Pickler’s artistic growth. The review notes deeper, more mature vocals, improved control in choruses and ballads, and praises the more vintage-leaning melodies that support emotionally risky songs about her troubled family relationships.
AllMusic awards 100 Proof four out of five stars, calling the record clean, simple, and comfortable in its traditional country arrangements—Telecasters, steel guitars, and acoustic instruments. AllMusic argues that this album marks a turning point where Pickler transitions from TV star to genuine recording artist, producing work that stands on its own merits.
Slant Magazine gives the album three and a half stars. The review appreciates how Pickler capitalizes on her strengths as an interpretive singer and calls the record deeply personal. While noting the album lacks a tightly cohesive arc and some material varies in depth, Slant credits Pickler for exploring country conventions in a creative and respectful way.
Country Weekly rates 100 Proof three out of five stars, highlighting the tear in Pickler’s voice that recalls traditional country icons like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn. The magazine welcomes the return of mournful steel guitar and fiddles as a refreshing counterpoint to the rock-influenced country that has dominated recent radio.
Entertainment Weekly awards the album a B+, calling it Pickler’s meatiest and most adventurous release to date. The review suggests she channels classic country influences more in tone than direct imitation, but finds the artistic risks largely successful.
This blog also reviewed 100 Proof and offers its own take on Pickler’s artistic turn.
Get 100 Proof
- Download 100 Proof on iTunes
- Get 100 Proof on Amazon (price subject to change)
Across the board, critics recognize 100 Proof as a meaningful stylistic shift for Kellie Pickler. While some reviewers prefer the album’s front half over its back half, the prevailing consensus is that Pickler sounds more authentic and vocally mature. The record’s traditional instrumentation and personal songwriting give her room to demonstrate interpretive nuance and emotional depth, suggesting she has taken an important step forward as a country artist.