CD Reviews

John Gaven, Atlantic Seabreeze, Donny Parenteau-CD Review-WHAT IT TAKES, A Saskatchewan Country Music Star In The Making, September 5, 2007

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Larry Delaney, Country Music News, What It Takes, November 2006

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"The album's opening track, Country Calling Me, a mid-tempo traditional country piece is the lead single to radio.  there's plenty more that should generate even greater attention.  The absolute knockout tune on the set comes in What She Left Me For, a country hurtin' tune, with a twist to the 'beer drinkin-broken home' story.  Parenteau delivers the song with some tongue-in-cheek passion, that makes you chuckle while you weep.

Other standouts in on the album include the swing tune Backyard Swing, which has a 'family' touch to it; and the honky tonk lament Someone More Lonesome.  There's also lots of energy in dance-along tunes like Funky Two Step, Dancing Fool and Belly Up.

Two songs here, Postmarked Heaven, a story song ballad, and the countrified Father Time, were inspired by and dedicated to Donny Parenteau's late father.  Both are truly strong songs showcasing Parenteau's special gift as a songwriter."

Larry Delaney, Country Music News, The Great Unknown
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"The album showcases Donny Parenteau's various musical skills (he plays fiddle, mandolin, Dobro, Mandocaster and acoustic guitars on the sessions), as well as his powerful vocal styling, and his songwriting talent, penning three original tunes for the collection.

Parenteau is also quite versatile with his own songwriting, touching on several themes here. You Make Me Happy is a long song; Where Would I Be has a moody blues feel to it; and the album's title track, The Great Unknown is a country/rocker reminiscent of Travis Tritt's music;

The Great Unknown was self-produced by Donny Parenteau and recorded at various studios (and barrooms) in western Canada. The album has earned nomination for Album Of Year honours in the 2005 Saskatchewan country Music Awards."