After missing from the Nashville scene for five years, Julie Roberts released her third studio album “Alive” in June of this year.  This time, her album was released independently instead of on the Mercury Nashville label like her two prior records. Unlike her sophomore album, you can tell that she meant every lyric she sings this time around.

Her self-titled debut record was certified gold, and “Break Down Here” was a top 20 hit for the blonde songstress. It peaked at #18 on the  Billboard Country Chart and #81 on the  Billboard top 100 chart. The song was actually a cover of Trace Adkins’ “I’d Sure Hate To Break Down Here.” It was an impressive debut for the singer, who unfortunately struggled with her next few releases. After her second album, “Men & Mascara,” in which she didn’t seem as comfortable with, she split from her label in May 2010. Roberts took some time off to deal with the Nashville floods last year that she had become a victim of, and also to learn to deal with the heartbreaking diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Roberts released “Alive” as an independent artist and came back to country music stronger than ever. Now in full control of her image, her songs, and what she was recording, it’s obvious how much more she believes in what she sings. The down-to-earth, religious young woman is a talent to be feared. With her strong, bluesy vocals, it’s a wonder why she was never bigger than she was when she was signed to a major label. You can tell that the experiences she has gone through the last few years have made her not only a stronger artist, but a stronger woman as well.