Bonnie Whitmore CD Review

Bonnie Whitmore’s album Picking Up The Pieces is an interesting album full of ever changing styles, moods and vocals. This is an album, which gives the listener a chance to sample Bonnie Whitmore in many different guises. On this album Bonnie cleverly and very successfully mixes pop/rock with modern country, old fashioned country and blues. This is not an album for the faint hearted; this is an album that isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. Good quality songs pack this outstanding album leaving the listener eager to hear much more.

The album starts off in fine style with a song called In My Way. This is a classy opening number written by the acclaimed singer/songwriter Stacey Earle. Bonnie captures the essence of Stacey’s style in this opening number but she also manages to put her own stamp on this old fashioned sounding country number packed full of clever lyrics. Bonnie’s voice is old fashioned in sound on this song yet there is also a freshness about it.

Passing Through follows on in a similar vain to the opening song. This song was written by Bonnie and has echoes of the singer/songwriter Lucy Kaplansky running through it. A nice array of background instrumentation really brings this song to life and gives it a life all of its own. Bonnie’s voice is forceful yet there are still echoes of the past running through it.

Cool Chameleon, written by Jamie Blythe, could easily describe Bonnie Whitmore on this album. This song sees Bonnie change her style swapping old fashioned country for a slight touch of blues. This is a classy number, which really allows Bonnie’s vocal talents to shine. This is an interesting song with some great lyrics.

Fireflies, again written by Jamie Blythe, is a charming song with a real folk feel to it. This is an enjoyable song that is fresh and breezy in style and sound. There are some great harmonies on this number, which reminds me of the Trio albums featuring Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. The catchy lyrics really bring this enchanting song to life. This song is a real highlight of this album. One that you will as a listener want to leave on repeat play so you can hear it time and time again!

The Hand Of God, written by Brent Mitchell, sees Bonnie change styles once more. The listener isn’t given a chance to get bored listening to this album as every song is so different and reflects so many different and varied musical tastes. Bonnie’s voice on this song brings to mind the accomplished singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. Some great harmonising brings this song to a close.

Next Lovely Love Song is a gentle song with a touch of angst in Bonnie’s vocal style. This song was written by Jamie Blythe. This is a heartfelt song bursting with evocative lyrics.

Maybe Someday, written by Bonnie, has little backing allowing Bonnie’s vocals to really shine through. This is a sad song about being wrong and asking for forgiveness a little bit too late. This song has a really nice organic feel to it. This is an enjoyable song that has quality written all over it.

Was It You, written by Jenny Reynolds, is a really catchy number with an upbeat tune. After two quite sad songs this is a much needed lively number. This song is quite infectious and will quickly get under the skin of the listener. It won’t take long for the listener to start tapping their feet in time to the beat. This song reminds me of the songs of KT Tunstall and Nell Bryden. A great song that really brings the album to life.

One Drum sees the mood of the album slowed down once again. Bonnie’s voice is haunting on this number that would not sound out of place on an Alanis Morissette album. This song was written by Bonnie and is an interesting song full of evocative lyrics. A thought provoking song, which talks about the human life in terms of a drum.

Girl Of Seventeen is another top class song written by Bonnie. This is a carefully crafted song that shines out amongst the other heartfelt songs on this album. The lyrics talk about how we can all be strong in the face of adversity if we really try. This is a powerful song that speaks of heartbreak, lies and the cruelty that some people inflict on others.

Release Me sees Bonnie blend pop/rock with an Americana sound to create her own unique style and sound. Bonnie’s voice is full of power and passion on this number. At times her voice is harsh but at others it is delicate almost fragile in sound. A great blend of backing instruments once again brings this enchanting song to life.

The final song on this album is called Drive Me Home and was written by Brian Reed. It is a punchy song, which could easily fall into the modern country category or style. Sounding a lot like Miranda Lambert this song finds Bonnie experimenting with yet another side to her music. This is a highly polished number with plenty of drive. The chorus is catchy and will soon have listeners singing along.

Overall this album comprising of twelve very different and very striking tracks is an album of ever changing moods. Superb lyrics allow the songs on this album to speak for themselves. Bonnie has a magnificent voice that she can apparently turn to any style of music. This is an excellent collection of songs that leaves the listener feeling empowered and ready to face the world.