Heidi Newfield first came to prominence as the dynamic lead singer of the trio Trick Pony. After recording 3 albums and scoring a few hits with that band, Heidi decided it was time to move on. She signed to the same record label, Curb Records, that Trick Pony was signed to and set about to record the tracks for her solo debut.

Produced by Tony Brown, “What Am I Wating For?” starts off with the funky and bluesy Randy Weeks penned “Can’t Let Go” and while hints of Trick Pony’s sound is here, Heidi Has immediately grabbed the listener’s attention. She then follows that track with the melodic “Tears Fall Down.” One of six songs co-written by Heidi, “Tears Fall Down” has an organic sound that recalls some of the classic rock sounds of the 1970s. Anyone looking for a deep and passionate love will be able to relate the hit single “Johnny and June.”

The title track “What Am I Waiting For?” recalls the melodic structure and lyrics of U2 in many ways but still stays firmly within the contemporary country mold. Heidi sings about all the ways in which one should stop and move on from stuff holding you back. Anyone who’s been stuck in a rut will certainly be able to relate to this big future hit. “Love Her And Lose Me” features a haunting melody that backs up simple and direct lyrics that anyone that has been cheated on or dumped can relate to.

“Cry, Cry ‘Til The Sun Shines” was previously recorded by Martina McBride for her “Waking Up Laughing” album and Heidi turns a similar performance on this catchy, philosophical track while Lori McKenna’s “Wreck You” has a painful honesty to it. The album closes up with the fun “Knocked Up.” Heidi blasts out her harmonica skills on this irreverent and fun end to a surprisingly strong debut album.

“What Am I Waiting For?” is an album packed full of strong songs so it is easy for me to declare that there are at least four potential hit singles on the album in addition to the lead-off track “Johnny And June.” Where I expected to hear a so-so album not unlike the Trick Pony efforts, I instead heard an album that’s bound to go down as one of 2008’s best mainstream country releases.