"Intuition" is the second album release from Norwegian-born singer/songwriter Ann-Marita, and it continues to push the boundaries of modern country music where her 2004 self-titled debut left off. Backed up by some of Australia's top musicians and produced by guitar virtuoso Brett Garsed, Ann-Marita delivers an album rich in diversity and creativity. Unlike numerous country albums to date, this one tells the story of a life far from confined to the space of one's home town. From growing up in a Norwegian mining community north of the Arctic Circle, to coming of age as a foreign exchange student in the American Midwest, to singing party tunes on Swedish cruise ships, to being broke but hopeful, pounding the Los Angeles pavement, to building a new life and career in Melbourne, Australia, this girl has lived to tell all, and every little bit of experience has added its share to the heartfelt stories and soaring melodies on "Intuition". "As I was writing these songs, I realized there was a theme starting to form," Ann-Marita says. "There was a thread running through everything, tying the songs together. Listening to your instincts, following your heart and your gut. The title "Intuition" seemed to fall naturally into place. Especially after I wrote what was to become the opening track and first single; "A Woman's Intuition". This song kicks off the album with a very non-country distorted guitar riff, moving into a knock-down rock'n'roll anthem, reminiscent of The Eagles or early Linda Ronstadt, with Ann-Marita's powerhouse voice tearing through the chorus: "I ain't puttin' it down to superstition/ You can't mess with a woman's intuition". "Intuition to me isn't about being psychic," Ann-Marita explains. "Women often tend to spend more time listening to other people than to what their own gut is trying to tell them. I've been accused of writing a lot of girl-power songs, and as you can see, I'm not about to stop anytime soon!" From the rootsy rock'n'roll of the opening track, Ann-Marita explores the growing feelings of insecurity within a relationship when miscommunication sets in, in the bare-all honesty of "What the Hell (Goes On In There)". "Under the Iowa Sky" and "Three Magic Words" are as country as Ann-Marita gets, and these have become two of the most requested songs at her live shows around her various home countries. "Company Town" is an ode to Ann-Marita's home town in Northern Norway, showing off the distinct influence of Norwegian folk music, mixed with bluesy Americana, exemplifying the uniqueness of her style. The album moves steadily along with the gut-wrenching yet triumphant "State Line", the longing for self-acceptance, or if not, then at least an invite to "the beautiful people's world" in the catchy rocker "Wish I Was More Like That", "Gettin' On That Bus"; a tale of changing your destiny with all odds against you, denouncing worthless friendships to a Western swing beat in "Two-Faced", a CEO's wife's frustration over having lived in her husband's shadow for too long in the funky blues-rocker "Mrs. You", and ending with the gospel thump and affirmation of self-empowerment of "Done Doin' Time". "Intuition" is not your average mainstream modern country album. It is, however, proof that an indie artist on a shoestring budget can absolutely make a record that can compete with the majors on every level. All it takes is outstanding musicianship, a producer who can cut to the core of what the artist is truly about, a lot of guts, drive and a healthy sense of humor, and last but definitely not least; some damn great songs and a big, big voice.