. Although critically acclaimed, the album was not successful. Three of its singles charted in lower-end positions on the North American country charts, which later influenced Wright to leave the label.
Background
Right in the Middle of It was recorded in
Allmusic commented that the album's production included much of "natural country twang". The tenth track on the recording entitled "It's Not Too Late" was co-written by American country artist Tracy Byrd.[1] The sixth track "What I Learned from Loving You" was originally recorded by Lynn Anderson and was a Top 20 country single for her in 1983.[7]
Right in the Middle of It received a positive critical response upon its initial release in January 1996. Charlotte Dillon of
Allmusic gave Right in the Middle of It four and a half out five stars, calling it Wright's "album pick". Dillon praised Wright for having the ability to record both ballads and have enough energy to record uptempo country numbers as well. Dillon also stated that many of Wright's musical influences (such as Connie Smith and Buck Owens) have shown influence on many of the album's individual tracks. In addition, Dillon praised Wright's musical experience, stating, "This might only be her second album, but she's had plenty of singing experience, starting with family get-togethers when she was a small child, where singalongs with fiddles and guitars were the norm. Before she hit her teens she had already formed a country band of her own. Early on Wright was exposed to music greats like Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Connie Smith, and Conway Twitty. Many of those influences can be heard in the songs on Right in the Middle of It."[1]
Release and chart performance
Right in the Middle of It spawned three singles between 1995 and 1996, all of which charted on the
cassette.[10][11] With the lack of the record's commercial success, Wright would later leave PolyGram/Mercury. She would then sign a deal with MCA Nashville.[12]
Track listings
Compact disc and digital versions
Right in the Middle of It (CD and digital versions)
[1]