Carolynn O’Neil CD Review

Carolynn O’Neil
Twirl
Self-released
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Traditional country with a modern sound
Carolynn O’Neil’s new album TWIRL is a wonderful album that blends traditional country music with a more modern upbeat sound. The end result sees Carolynn sounding a cross between Nanci Griffith and a combination of today’s more modern female country singers. The opening song Southern Girl is a jolly upbeat song with a bit of a bluegrass twist. There are echoes of Alison Krauss in Carolynn’s vocal style. Last 10 lbs is as the title suggests a song about dieting and losing weight. Slightly more modern in sound than the opening song, Carolynn’s voice is interesting enough to hold any listeners attention. Only Forever is a jazz infused song with a really classy feel. With hints of Norah Jones and Shelby Lynne this song will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It’s About Me is a faster paced song with a country/pop flavour. Carolynn is excellent at changing her vocal style to suit whatever type of song she is singing. Mr. Maybe is a quirky country song with a slight infusion of jazz. Like I Love You is a more traditional country song, which features Tim Anderson. One Sweet Day is a slow emotional song. Carolynn’s vocals are soft and gentle on this rather charming evocative number. If you like slow songs that tug at the heart strings then this song is for you. Twirl is an upbeat country song with a traditional feel. Labor Of Love is a slow emotional song, reminiscent in style of Mary Chapin Carpenter. All of the songs on this album are full of emotion and charter one woman’s journey through today’s world.