A promiscuous teenager is warned that she’s looking for love in all the wrong places and “givin’ away little pieces of her innocence” (“Angelene”). With confidence and strength, the singer models a roll-with-the-punches attitude on “That’s the Way,” “Downtime” and “Bring on the Rain.” Similarly, “These Are the Days” says we should ignore life’s leaky faucets and savor every moment of its simpler pleasures. Elsewhere, Messina supports her man’s dreams (“Burn”) and longs for true intimacy in a relationship (“Closer”).
“Dare to Dream”’s spontaneous romantic getaway (which involves “pay[ing] a couple months rent”) lacks marital context. While not explicitly sexual, a carefree woman heads into town looking for “the thrill of a kiss that on Monday I’ll miss,” which could be interpreted as a one-night stand (“Saturday Night”).
Last year’s Horizon Award winner hasn’t had an easy road to the top, perhaps explaining the spunk and perseverance espoused on Burn. With the noted exceptions, Jo Dee Messina offers teens sound advice.
