13. June 2026
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Media Review

Jo Dee Messina – Bridges

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Jo Dee Messina - Bridges

Jo Dee Messina - Bridges
4.8

Rating

 4.8/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Nice range of songs
  • Strong messages / lyrics
  • Very fluent listen

I always feel a bit of guilty when I link an artist to an individual song of his career. One of these artists is Jo Dee Messina. Her 1996 debut single Heads Carolina, Tails California is one of my favorite country songs. Despite she had more successful releases like the two US double platinum singles Bye Bye and I’m Alright (both 1998), the song stays in my head. Let’s see of her 2026 album released on 5th June 2026 can change that. Here is my review of Bridges. It is her first album after twelve years.

 

Jo Dee Messina – About The Artist

Jo Dee Messina was born on 25th August 1970 in Framingham, Massachusetts. Her surname already suggests that she has Italian descent on the paternal side. Her mother has Irish ancestors. Already in early years, she enjoyed listening to big names of female country music like Patsy Cline or Reba McEntire. She moved to Nashville at the age of 19. She released her self-titled debut album in March 1996. It peaked eighth in the Canadian country charts. Two albums by the US American artists peaked the domestic country charts, namely Burn (2000) and Delicious Surprise (2005). Bridges is her seventh studio album overall.

 

Jo Dee Messina – Bridges – Track by Track

The eleven song album lasts 36 minutes.

1. Welcome To The Show

The album starts with this truly “welcoming” song title. Jo Dee Messina totally surprised me here. She sounds like a young, emerging artist in this happy vibe, easy country pop song. How could an album kick off better than with a bright smile while listening to it.

2. Some Bridges

The March 2026 single release has been the first song shared from this album. Furthermore, it has been the first the first Jo Dee Messina song after two and a half years. She sounds modern, but also mature and well-reflected. Some bridges are meant to build, but some bridges are meant to burn, the chorus states. I really enjoyed listening to this one.

3. Days You Don’t Get Back

If I could talk to me
When I was seventeen
I’d tell myself to tap the brakes and lose that fake ID
Don’t be too quick to run
Don’t rip out all your roots
You’re gonna need ’em for the places that you’re headed to

Jo Dee Messina is looking back to younger years, to difficult decisions. Even though you might struggle with them, she states Don’t wish away the days you don’t back. I feel the song perfectly fits into her songbook. I absolutely enjoy this listen.

4. Where The Cowboys Ride

The guitars present the main theme right at the beginning of Where The Cowboys Ride. The song feels darker, harder, more rocking. This nicely supports her powerful voice. The mixture of country-rock, Western style elements and a stomping beat leads to a very present song.

5. Can Anybody

Apart from Some Bridges, Jo Dee Messina shared two other songs before the album release. Bridges features one after another now. Can Anybody is a fine, fragile ballad. The song leads to some 1980’s vibes to me. I really love it.

6. Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful

The 80’s reference also applies to the next song, Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful. The song with its uplifting message has much more of a pop vibe, though. Nonetheless, this very melodic is another beauty on Messina’s 2026 album.

7. Message In A Bottle

An energetic country rocker with a clear message, which is also having a nice catch for future concerts – that’s Message In A Bottle. The cool groove of the track is another reason to simply love this one. Thumbs up!

1, 2, 3 down
Go and grab another round
Before 5 and 6
You’re convinced that it’s your fix
Well, what’s a couple more
When you’re invincible
Don’t know what you’re chasing
But you chase it open throttle
Only find the wreckage
If you’re looking for that message in a bottle

8. The Jesus I Know

They say He was a preacher
Runnin’ rebels out of homes
Whisperin’ ’bout mercy
Screamin’ fire and brimstone
They say that He would judge you
Weigh your right and wrongs
Sell you on salvation
Then say you’re too far gone

The chorus of this one starts with The Jesus I know sits at the table with the sinner. The song is a great reckoning with religious streams, which do not comply with altruism and the spirit given in the Bible. Joe De Messina defends The Jesus I Know in an angry style. One of the most present songs on Bridges.

9. It’s All About You

After this energetic blast, It’s All About You is a more harmonic and melodic song. It is another song which encourages you to believe in you and your values. The way you twist the truth, everything you do, it’s all about you, the lyrics state. I enjoy listening to her song.

10. Let Me Love You

The penultimate song is, the title already suggests that, a love song. Jo Dee Messina is demanding love in here. If you trust me, I promise I’ll show you – just let me in, she states. Let me be your strong is a line in the bridge. A very powerful ballad, which definitely leaves a mark.

11. If He Knew Jesus

Oh, if he knew Jesus
There’d be no raisin’ these babies alone
He would stand, he would fight
And lay down his life for his home

Pain, being alone, struggle, not feeling valuable – there are so many negative things in life. Where is God and Jesus in this situation? Messina deals with the traditional topic in her very own way. It works out absolutely well, making the song stay in your mind after you finished listening to Bridges.

 

Jo Dee Messina – Bridges – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

 

Jo Dee Messina – Bridges – My View

Jo Dee Messina is still a magical country music lady. Fans had to wait for twelve years for Bridges. These eleven songs already make you hope that the next intermission is significantly shorter. Her lyrics are strong, the tracks come with a nice variety and good melodies. I am very happy that Jo Dee Messina is back!

Favorite Song: Where the Cowboys Ride

 

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