"It takes more than words like tarry, hither, elixer or sacred oath, to contribute to this feeling of discovered tracks rather than originals. Parks has succeeded in packaging ideas, words and melody lines to render a presentation that suggests the times of which she sings. Parks's historical settings capture the hardships of these lives so perfectly that one can picture the songs' choruses being sung ages ago to the rhythm of swinging pints." Sing Out! Magazine, Fall 2003

If you are lucky enough to have Victoria's debut album, "Sure Feels Like Home," she needs no introduction. If not, I hope you'll take this opportunity to discover her. Victoria is a master storyteller and songwriter with a beautiful, powerful voice. This is a voice that deserves to be heard!"--Fred Dolan, host Visiting the Folks, WUJC

"Wild English Rose showcases Victoria Parks' clear and resonant singing voice and her spirited, well crafted songs. The instrumentation is largely of Celtic influence, and you think you are listening to a collection of centuries-old folk songs until you realize that Parks herself has written all but one. Parks recounts her family history, commemorates ancient Celtic holidays, and shares stories of herself, gently pulling the listener in to her world. I was particularly struck by "Beautiful Hands," a tribute to a loved one who's passed on, and "Dear Sister," a song based on letters written by her great (x5) grandmother to her sister in the 1700's. In Parks' own words, her music is spindled with fairy dust and flowers, and indeed, it has an undeniable magic to it, a warm-fuzzines tempered with hearty, bold, lyrical storytelling...an excellent musical creation, worthy of repeated listenings."--Victory Music Review, November 2003

"a lady with a clear talent to draw this listener into her songs. And what's more, engage him fully whilst he was there, and spit him out the other end wanting more. Her effortless lower register really gives me a FRISSON of excitement." --Kevin's Celtic & Folk Music CD Review

"The historical songs are the most interesting. What an inspiration for genealogists! My favorite is "Dear Sister," based on letters sent to Scotland in the late 18th century by her emigrant 5th great grandmother. The verses describe the life Sarah Parks was now leading in America and her reluctance to return, and they do sound like messages from old letters. These songs are really well devised lyrically and tunefully. Parks has an interesting voice, from the same tonal category as Jean Ritchie. I like it because it's melodic, strong and authentic...and certainly not wispy, cute, or vampish! It is a good voice for history. Her catchy melodies are genuinely "folky" and blend well with the lyrics. Recommended especially for Renaissance-Pagan-Celtic Festival enthusiasts and genealogists, but "folk music" listeners will like the historical songs"-- The Greenman Review

"As a vocalist (she) presents her ballads combining both a firm voice with a sensitivity whilst clearly identifying with the subjects at hand. I found the 'historical' tales or stories derived from her family background to be the strongest on the album. That said the thirteen tracks on the album offer a fine and varied journey through Parks songwriting and personal journeys."-Folk & Roots, July 2003

"She is a strong songwriter and better than average singer. The sound is quite distinct... she has a very pretty voice. I am quite impressed with the quality. I feel Victoria has a winner here."
-- Rambles

"Victoria is renowned as a storyteller among those who know her music well, and this album is clearly the work of an experienced and comfortable yarn-spinner, with fascinating tales and beguiling turns of phrase."--Every Muse News & Reviews

"Although all songs but one are written by Victoria, they're all drenched in the English / Irish folk style. On the romantic songs she succeeds beautifully, singing like a blossoming rose, with nice arrangements."--Psyche van het Folk, radiocentraal, Antwerp. Belgium

"Parks' songwriting and execution are so fully formed that she could hold her own with any of Triple A radio's most beloved singer/songwriters."--The Cleveland Free Times

"Sure Feels Like Home is an accomplished production. It surprises with moments of fine playing, touching harmonies and passionate songwriting...unflinching"--The Guardian

This well-produced collection of original songs has full and tasteful arrangements, well written lyrics. Parks' vocals are vibrato-rich, reminiscent of Mary McCaslin and Melanie, alternately childlike and gutsy. Well worth the listen!--Victory Acoustic Music Review

An auspicious debut!!--Tom Paxton