Boy, when I heard that Heidi Newfield was leaving Trick Pony, I was actually excited for her. I think she is an underrated vocal in this town and was being held back by the lagging success of the group. So naturally, hearing that she had a new single, I was anxious to hear what direction her solo music would take.

After "Pour Me," "On A Mission," "It's A Heartache," I was expecting a wonderful vocal performance. And, with Trick Pony's rocking sound, I was also expecting a boot-kickin' romper. I got neither with Newfield's "Johnny and June."

The song is full of cliches ("There's something about a man in black") from the very beginning, including mentions of Jackson, Cadillacs, love on stage.. please. If the writers had meant to be clever, they come over more desperate and idiotic.

After the onslaught of songs that deal with artists ("Tim McGraw," "Johnny Cash"), I have to say that I was not all that apprehensive about the song title. Johnny and June, afterall, had some pretty kickin' music. But in my opinion, Newfield needed to come out swinging. For all those Trick Pony fans that are now left in the dust after Ira Dean announced he, too, was leaving, she had a great opporotunity to pick up a steady following. I doubt "Johnny and June" does that. Her vocal performance is dull at best with no real shining moments, and sadly, the music arrangement is just too predictable.

Shame, too, because Heidi Newfield really is, or was, one of the best. Maybe this is just single choice. Let's hope the next single from the former lead singer puts Newfield back in the driver seat.

OVERALL GRADE: D+