On the other hand, this is a sexy, sassy record by someone who seems damned determined to do what she wants. Yes, yes, Deana Carter has been a mainstream country star, but apparently she’s dumped Nashville for Los Angeles for her musical freedom. And that’s what this sounds like. She mixes pop, power pop (like the Bangles), country and maybe even folk with stinging guitar leads and lyrics about wearing go-go boots to Sunday school, Elvis and Kurt Cobain, heartbreak and even more heartbreak. My problem with The Story of My Life is the same problem I have with Emmylou Harris records: the vocals tend to sound annoyingly the same. She might want to explore using more diverse harmony voices next time. Also, the songs are hooky but, like the vocals, tend to be more of the same. Overall, though, a guilty pleasure. Leave your hang-ups at the door and listen. 3 ½ bottle caps out of 4.