A talented singer with lots of potential for the future
Alicia Smith is a very talented young singer born on a military base in Sunday 28 April 2013
Alicia Smith - Welcome To Reality
Kalisa Ewing song review
Kalisa Ewing is a wonderful young lady who writes well
constructed and meaningful lyrics and has the voice of an angel quite
literally. Her vocals are a delicate concoction of haunting emotive vocal
ranges and powerfully strong rocky overtones. In her songs the lyrics are
honest and raw. Each of Kalisa’s songs tells a story enhanced by her charming
vocals. Kalisa was raised just outside of Nashville
and had penned her first song by the tender age of eleven. Kalisa learnt the
art of writing poems in order to enhance and strengthen her song writing
skills. Listen to her fine tuned lyrics and you can tell that learning paid off
for her big time.
Where Did Your Love Go
is a lovely country song with fresh country vocals. A strong song enhanced
by Kalisa’s vocals, which are really rich and also quite soft and gentle.
Definitely a potential hit given the right amount of airplay and exposure. This
is modern country at its very best. Classy, with depth and quality – this is
far from the manufactured country pop that fills the country charts right now.
On A Roll is a
beautiful country song. Kalisa’s vocals
are really strong and have power and passion in them. There is a refreshing
tenderness which makes this song sound quite emotive.
Taking The Heart Out
Of Everything is a slightly more rousing number. This song still has a
strong country influence though.
Kalisa’s vocals have power and strength here, which gives this song a
rocky feel.
Bang is one of
those songs you will want to listen to over and over again. Kalisa’s vocals are
awesome on this haunting track. Delicate and emotive this song is really lovely
to listen to. The lyrics are spot on and worth a close listen. Kalisa easily
blends modern country with a slight hint of pop.
Love Trial is
another pure country song. Kalisa’s vocals are infectious and really quite
stunning, intoxicating and emotive. There are touches of Emmylou Harris, during
the middle of her carer, every so often in Kalisa’s vocal style.
Whatever is a
slightly more pop than country song. This is definitely a radio friendly song
that could do really well for this stunning country artist. The lyrics are
strong and Kalisa’s vocals are definitely powerful. The chorus is catchy and
overall this is a classy modern sounding song that has the potential to be an
enormous hit!
Kalisa Ewing is a wonderfully evocative singer with an
obvious amount of talent both as a songwriter and vocalist. She has the perfect vocals for a country
artist and she can write quite stunning songs that will stand the test of time.
I personally cannot wait for this awesome singer to release an album. On the
merit of the songs above I am sure it will be one of those albums that easily
warrants a ten out of ten!
The Bundys - The Bundys
The Bundys
The Bundys
Self-released 887516042195
***
Interesting EP from a new family band
The Bundys are Katey, Ryan and Megan – siblings who grew up
in Cincinnati , Ohio Nashville . The end
result was their first ever EP. With wonderful harmonies their three voices fit
together perfectly. The Story is a
lovely country song with a strong modern feel. The music is light never
intruding on their vocals making it a delight to listen to. Talk Me Down, Take Me Home is a more
traditional country song with a hint of the Dixie Chicks mixed with Nickel
Creek. The vocals are spot on. Stupid is
a modern country song with more of a pop feel than the previous two songs on
the EP. The Last Song is a wonderful
country song with a traditional country vibe running through it. Upbeat and
energised this is a great song. Four songs aren’t really enough to judge this
new trio. It is obvious that all three have great vocal ability and combined
their sound is strong and emotive. Where they fit in the world of country music
is hard to say. Judging by The Last Song I
would suggest following the more traditional country route. I look forward to
hearing a lot more from these future stars.
Kira Lynn Hladun - Something Like Love
Something Like Love
Kira Lynn Hladun
Self-released 622306923526
*****
A breathtaking new album from an emerging female artist
that deserves to go far
There are so many new and emerging female country artists it
is hard to know who is going to make it big and who isn’t. A lot sound very
similar in vocal style but occasionally you come across one who stands out
above the rest of the crowd. Kira Lynn Hladun’s new album SOMETHING LIKE LOVE
is a shinning example of good modern country music and wonderful vocal abilities.
Kira is an extremely talented singer/songwriter from Edmonton ,
Alberta
Holly Denton - Holly Denton
Holly Denton
Holly Denton
Self-released 887516035517
***
Plenty of potential for the future here
Australian Holly Denton
has been singing since the tender age of four. Holly is already a talented
singer/songwriter mixing pop and country together to create a wonderful sound.
Holly’s song writing skills are exceptional for one still so young. With her
lyrics Holly can captivate listeners of all ages. Holly’s self titled EP
showcases her wide array of talents and puts her forward as a name and talent
for the future. Chocolate Overdoes proves
what an outstanding song writer Holly really is. Her lyrics are fresh, straight
to the point and so refreshing. This is a country song with a heavy dose of
pop. Holly’s vocals have a natural twang, which makes them interesting and
different. Another Tomorrow is a slow
country song with luscious vocals. There is a touch of angst in Holly’s vocals,
which only adds depth and quality to her music. Puppet Master is a rousing pop/country song. Quirky and catchy this
song is jolly and quite uplifting. The final offering on Holly’s EP is called Walk Naked. Holly’s vocals are slightly
more mature on this folk infused country song. I am reminded here a little of
the hugely talented singer Nanci Griffith in her earlier years. Holly has plenty
of potential as these songs illustrate. She is truly gifted and a real treat to
listen to.
Ashley Norton - Ashley Norton
Ashley Norton
Ashley Norton
Self-released 887516004131
****
Outstanding songs on this album of contrasts
American artist Ashley Norton has a knack for mixing
different styles of music together with ease. Her new album blends together
country, rock, blues and pop. Shutup
& Talk To Me gets the album off to a bold, rocky start. Ashley’s vocals
are powerful and strong enough to counteract the heavy instrumentation. Arizona Rain is a slow pure country song
in the style of Lee Ann Womack. Ashley really puts everything into this
beautiful song. Her vocals are lovely to listen to. Redneck Liberation sees the pace pick up again. This is another
rocky country song with plenty of power and energy. Momma’s Daughter is an outstanding heavy rock infused country song.
This is an anthemic country song in the style of Wynonna Judd or Gretchen
Wilson. Unlove You sees a distinct
change of pace. A striking ballad with delicate rather charming vocals. Perhaps
more pop than country this song is easy on the ear and really quite wonderful.
On this song Ashley proves that she is much more than a one trick pony! Love Hungover sees a return to the rocky
country theme of the rest of the album. Catchy and up-beat this is a pleasant
song. The final song on the album Angels
On My Side is a gorgeous heart warming song packed with lots of emotion and
passion. Like Unlove You this song is delicate and almost fragile
sounding. This album is a real mixed bag. All the songs are good and the vocals
are outstanding throughout, my only complaint is that the songs swing too
sharply between gentle and slow and fast and rousing – there is no rhythm.
Rachel Rhodes - Heartland
Rachel Rhodes
Heartland
Self-released 880547344627
*****
The best debut ever
Rachel
Rhodes is a highly talented singer . Rachel started off singing opera, emerging
as a classical singer and appearing in operas. Performing in national and
international tours and studying voice in Italy saw Rachel develop further as a
singer. Finally however it was country music that saw Rachel blossom into the
singer she is today. Just one short year after moving to Nashville Rachel has
released her debut EP packed full of wonderful songs and great vocals.
HEARTLAND is an outstanding debut EP showcasing Rachel’s talents and potential
for the future. No Ordinary Night is
a pop infused country song in the style of Taylor Swift. Rachel’s vocals are
fresh and upbeat. A classic radio friendly song of the highest quality. Heartland, the title song, is one of
those songs that makes you stop and listen no matter what you are doing. It is
breathtakingly beautiful and such a wonderful country song. Rachel’s vocals are
well suited to country music, they have a depth and a maturity way beyond
Rachel’s young years. Soak It In is
another charming country song featuring Rachel’s amazing vocals. Rachel mixes
emotion and passion into her vocals perfectly. The end result is a stunning
song. The Girl You Think You Love is
another song of the highest quality. Again this song has the wow factor.
Beautiful vocals adorn this song and the whole of this EP. Live On Love brings the EP to a wonderful conclusion. This is a
slow pure country song. Enriched once again with Rachel’s mesmerising vocals
this final offering is splendid. It is hard to find enough words to praise this
EP. It is one of the best debuts I have heard in years, maybe ever.
Kira Lynn Hladun - Modern Soul
Modern Soul
Kira Lynn Hladun
Self-released
*****
A wonderful debut showcasing an up and coming female
country singer
Kira Lynn Hladun’s debut album MODERN SOUL demonstrates what
a talented singer and vocalist Kira is and what listeners can expect in the future
as her musical carer grows and grows. Released in 2010 this album showcases
many of the songs Kira has performed for audiences in Alberta ,
Canada . The
opening song is also the title track. Modern
Soul is an angst ridden song which blends together pop and country. Kira’s
vocals are strong and enjoyable to listen to. Where You Belong is one of those songs you listen to and go ‘wow’.
An absolutely brilliant pop song with classy edgy vocals. Powerful and dramatic
this song is incredible and well worth buying the album for. In
The Night is a country song infused with pop. One again it is the wonderful
vocals of Kira that make you sit up and take notice of the song. So I Can Remember is a lovely country
song, slow paced and enthused with an exciting blend of backing
instrumentation. Just The Girl is a
strong country/pop song. Classy and stylish, Kira’s vocals are once again the
main highlight. What My Life Needs is
a lovely country/pop ballad. Kira’s vocals are fresh and feisty on this catchy
number. This song reminds me of Natalie Imbruglia’s pop hit That Day. Follow My Own Path is another gorgeous song. Slow and emotive this
song is a real pleasure to listen to. Kira;s vocals are captivating throughout
this wonderful album. All the songs are worth listening to over and over. A
star is born right here!
O'Shea - One + One
One + One
O’Shea
Self-released 887516177231
****
A splendid album from this husband and wife duo
Husband and wife duo Mark and Jay O’Shea have been
successful artists and songwriters since moving to Nashville .
Most notably they were finalists in the Country Music Television series Can You
Duet. Having individual successes before pairing up the couple have opened for
top country acts such as Sara Evans and Phil Vassar. O’Shea’s music blends
modern country music with pop to create a fresh uplifting sound. The album
kicks off with a lovely country song This
Could Be Our Year. Perhaps perfectly titled, this album could see O’Shea
making it big and becoming household names in the world of country music. Both
Jay and Mark take turns on vocals giving the song an interesting dynamic. Be With You Tonight is a beautiful
country song. Jay and Mark’s vocals blend wonderfully together. Both sound
strong and distinctive. Thank You Angels is
a pop infused country song. Jay’s vocals are powerful and captivating on this
rather splendid track that definitely deserves some airplay. Red Lights And Last Names sees both Jay
and Mark share the vocals once again. Empty
is a powerful bluesy country song with Jay demonstrating her wonderful
vocal skills. Jay has a lovely voice well worth listening to as echoed here in
this tremendous song. It Never Goes Away is
a slow delicate country song. Jay and Mark harmonize wonderfully together here.
Dancing In The Minefields is another
lovely song brought to life with excellent vocals packed full of emotion. The
lyrics of this song are worth a close listen. Look Down On The Stars is a rousing country/pop song. Mark’s vocals
are brought centre stage on this song. Fresh and upbeat this is rather
charming. Missing Miracles is an
outstanding song. It is worth buying a copy of this album just for this amazing
song alone. Wonderful vocals from Mark and Jay give this song depth and
emotion. The Swimming Song is a fun,
upbeat song with cheery and somewhat amusing lyrics. Wish You The Worst is a dramatic song with a heavy edge. The
backing instrumentation is powerful and rousing. With a rocky feel this song is
definitely another track worthy of some airplay. There’s No Place Like Home is more of a traditional country song. The title track is also the final offering
on this outstanding album. One + One is
a great song to end the album on. Lovely
vocals once again make this a stand out song. All in all this is an album of
fine songs sung with lovely, luscious vocals. If you like modern country that
is of a high standard then this album will suit you down to the ground.
Dylan Arms - So Much To Say
So Much To Say
Dylan Arms
Self-released 887516179020
****
A hot new name for the future of good folk infused indie
pop music
Dylan Arms debut EP mixes together elements of folk and pop
to create something quite wonderful. Dylan’s vocals are outstanding and
definitely worth a listen to. They have the power to captivate you and take you
on a journey into musical heaven. My Soul
gets the magic started. A lovely opening song, which straight away
showcases Dylan’s amazing vocals and his potential for the future as a huge
star. With hints of Marcus Mumford in his vocal style Dylan sounds confident
and passionate about the words he is singing. Sunrise Awakening has more of a pop feel than folk. Once again
Dylan’s vocals are the star. Quite upbeat this song will appeal to many fans of
music no matter which genre they prefer. Me
Without You is a brilliant song, quite stunning. It has a slight indie feel
blended with a touch of pop and folk. With a hint of the Gallagher brothers in
his vocals Dylan really sounds polished on this stand out track. The Change is a gentle offering, lighter
in mood and style. The final song comes all too soon Waiting For You is dramatic and vocally strong. Here Dylan’s vocals
stand out against the heavy backing instrumentation. Dylan is definitely a name
to be remembered for the future. This EP demonstrates that he is vocally quite
brilliant and stands head and shoulders above most of the young male singers
emerging today. If you want to listen to something excellent and high quality
then you definitely need to listen to this.
The Cellmates - Rockabilly Feeling
Rockabilly Feeling
The Cellmates
Gregor Agency - G.A. Records 8588003027085
****
Get your dancing shoes on, you are gonna need them!
If you like rock ’n’ roll and/or rockabilly then The
Cellmates are a band worth checking out. Hailing from Bratislava
this talented group are the holders of the Rockabilly Award handed out in Germany .
The Cellmates have performed in many countries including Austria ,
Germany and Slovakia .
Twelve songs complete this upbeat and rather lively offering entitled ROCKABILY
FEELING. Roll Down The Road is quite
modern in sound and also quite heavy. It is not just the singing that is great;
the music is outstanding and quite brilliant at times. This opening number will
have your feet tapping in time with the beat in no time at all. It is catchy
and quickly draws you in, making you long to hear more. Boppin’ Around The Town is a lively upbeat song with plenty of
music mixed in with the vocals. Teenage
Boogie has a great fifties sound. Charming and upbeat this is one of those
songs that will make you want to get up and dance around the room. Listening to
this album makes you long to see The Cellmates live. Pink Pedal Pushers has quite a modern sound but is still thoroughly
rockabilly in style. Summer Of 69 is
a cover of the classic rock/pop hit. The Cellmates turn this memorable hit into
a rockabilly song with ease. It sounds amazing and really fresh and new like
you are hearing the words for the first time. C’mon Everybody gets similar treatment. Already a classic rock ’n’
roll song The Cellmates just put their own stamp on it. Can’t Sleep At Night is stunning and rather charming. A slow song
with delicate vocals. This is quite possibly the stand out song on the album
and one you will want to hear over and over. Rockabilly Feeling is of course the title track. This is a
traditional rockabilly song with plenty of energy and beat. Baby Don’t sees some great instrumental
music blended with The Cellmates excellent vocals. Blue Moon Of Kentucky is another cover. Again done with style and
finesse this song sounds fresh and vibrant. Speedy
Race is an upbeat, quite heavy rock ‘n’ roll song. The album ends on a
wonderful high note with Cellmate’s Rock.
Once again this is an upbeat rockabilly number that will make you want to
get up and take to the dance floor. This is an energy packed album that
deserves several listens.
All The Way To Heaven - Dahlia Wakefield - Single Review
Dahlia Wakefield ’s
new single ALL THE WAY TO HEAVEN is magnificent and perhaps Dahlia’s best vocal
performance to date. Vocally strong and polished Dahlia delivers this song with
plenty of emotion and passion. This song, along with Dahlia’s wonderful vocals
effortlessly transcends the boundaries between pop and country. Suiting fans of
both genres this song is beautiful, charming on the ear and pure class. With
each offering from Dahlia she seems to grow in vocal ability and strength. If
this is a taste of things to come fans of good vocally strong music are in for
a real treat. With touches of Faith Hill in Dahlia’s vocals this song oozes
with tenderness and confidence. One listen isn’t enough to get the full affect
of this song, which soon lingers in the listener’s mind. Definitely a song that
needs plenty of exposure. This could be the song that allows Dahlia to hit the
big time in a big way!
Stephanie Layne - Stephanie Layne
Stephanie Layne
Stephanie Layne
Glory Layne Music 884501767781
****
Vocals to die for and top class country songs
Stephanie Layne is a singer/songwriter with lots of passion
and power. Hailing from Minnesota Stephanie grew up on a ranch. Stephanie has a
solid notion about what country music should be and that is projected
throughout her music. Stephanie’s new EP was recorded at Nashville ’s
Blackbird Studios owned by none other than Martina and John McBride. Opening
for artists such as Terri Clark and Sawyer Brown has helped Stephanie develop
into a confident, strong female singer with plenty of back bone and charisma.
This new EP is a mix of old and new, bluesy/rocky country and traditional
country. There is something for everyone amongst the seven songs adorning this
EP. Can’t Quit You is a rocky modern
country song. Stephanie’s voice is defined and extremely powerful. The vocals
are rather pleasing and a joy to listen to. What
If I Do is a beautiful song with gentle vocals and a true country edge.
This song has hit stamped all over it. Ain’t
No Neighbors has touching lyrics that are so true to life. Many listeners
will resonate with the words of this lovely country song. Hunker Down is a heavier country song with a bluesy/rocky feel.
Stephanie’s vocals are really powerful and project well against the heavy
backing music. Run Run Run is another
glorious country song. Stephanie’s vocals are a little softer on this song,
which has a catchy chorus. This song, again, has big hit written all over it. Finding Me is a more traditional country
song. Stephanie’s vocals slip into a more relaxed mode on this excellent song.
It would be great to hear someone like Vince Gill doing backing vocals on this
track. The EP ends with a slow ballad that showcases Stephanie’s outstanding
vocal skills. Someone Like Me is
delicate and emotive. Stripped right back Stephanie’s vocals really get a
chance to shine on this final offering. I like each and every one of the songs
on this EP; they are all good in their own way and definitely deserve their
place on this fantastic EP. Stephanie Layne has tons of potential and can only
get better and better with time. She is already remarkably talented vocally and
can effortlessly switch pace and style of music. Quite wonderful!
Daniel Goodman - Cold Wind
Daniel Goodman
Cold Wind
Magic Sin Music B005MW4SB8
*****
Astounding, fascinating and musically brilliant
Sobriquet - Familiar Strangers
Sobriquet
Familiar Strangers
Self Released - 887516239540
***
Sobriquet are a new and
rather talented duo from Portland , Oregon
David Newbould - Tennessee
David Newbould
David Newbould Music DNM006
****
A heady mix of country rock with outstanding vocals of
the highest nature
David Newbould is a highly talented singer/songwriter who is
just waiting to burst into the major league, something he may just achieve with
his new album Tennessee . Strong
vocals and cleverly put together songs make David’s new album a pleasure to
listen to. Already, to his credit, David’s music has appeared on a number of
popular television shows including Criminal Minds, Party of Five and Dawson ’s
Creek. Tennessee was produced by
Ben Strano and has taken over a year to make. Featuring the likes of up and
coming country star Rose Falcon this new offering was recorded in two parts and
comes with two bonus tracks released only via the internet. The album starts
off with Always Coming Home, which
showcases David’s vocals wonderfully. David has a distinctive sound, which
mixes country with pop/rock. Upbeat and rather delightful this opening song
sees David joined on vocals by the country singer Rose Falcon. Don’t Give Me Your Heart sees David’s
vocals slip into a harsher mode. If you like Bruce Springsteen and/or John
Mellencamp then you are in for a treat. Again quite an upbeat song it is easy
to see why David’s songs have been used on so many successful television shows.
His vocals have depth and real character. Live
For Love is another strong offering. A mix of rock and country makes this
song quite powerful. Drifting Wayward has
a distinct country feel about it. David’s vocals have a lighter feel and really
suit a slow country song. You’re With Me is
a high octane fast paced country/rock song. A lovely duet this song features Kalisa
Ewing on vocals. Listening to this song is like listening to a slice of Steve
and Stacey Earle. Kalisa’s vocals are edgy and offer something special to this
song. Down For Your Love is a slower,
raw country song that pushes David’s vocals to the forefront. Once again Kalisa
Ewing joins David on vocals. Lucinda is
another rocky country song. It Can Always
Be Worse is a really dramatic song with powerful lyrics. A really punchy
song that deserves plenty of volume to be enjoyed fully! Caitlin Nicol-Thomas adds extra depth to
this song with the violin. Trying
To Find The Good In Seeing Things is another outstanding sound in the style
of Jackson C Frank or Bob Dylan. It is worth buying this album just for this
song alone. Don’t Give Up On Love sees
the mood and tempo pick up pace once again. Another rocky country song with
plenty of potential. The Things We’ve
Done slips back into raw delicate vocal mode. David has such an awesome
vocal range and style as evidenced by the songs on this album. She’s Got A Different Way ends the album
off in fine style. Another country infused rocky/pop song David’s vocals are once
again the highlight. An outstanding song that leaves you wanting to hear more,
much more.
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