Chloe Hall CD Review

Chloe Hall
Outside
One Tree Hill Records 9341634000211
*****
How much praise can you heap on one album?
Melbourne based Chloe Hall is one of those rare singer/songwriters who can make even the simplest of songs sound so beautiful and emotive. Chloe’s music is delicate yet extremely powerful. Listeners to this new album will literally want to dive in. Chloe’s song writing talents marvel those of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Lucy Kaplansky. Her vocals remind me of Nanci Griffith at times and Lucy Kaplansky at others. OUTSIDE is full of wonderful harmonies and gorgeous music. An array of instruments brings Chloe’s music to life including the piano, guitar, cello, double bass and ukulele. Chloe’s band members add vocals to many of the songs on the album. In Australia Chloe Hall is a household name amongst fans of contemporary/alternative folk and has been compared with the likes of Beth Orton, The Corrs and Dido. The album begins with Outside, the title song. This opening number is engaging and so beautiful. It highlights perfectly Chloe’s gentle musical style. Shipwreck is a more upbeat song with a catchy melody. Chloe’s warming vocals literally carry the listener along. I’m Still Here has a real folk sound to it. Although modern in style there is something strangely old-fashioned sounding about it. I am reminded fleetingly of Mary Black. Dance With Me is a slow dreamy song sung with passionate vocals. As the album progresses it just gets better and better. Each song on the album is perfect in every way possible. It’s Not Too Late is a pop/folk infused song again with a faster beat. Walking After Midnight is a heartfelt number with plenty of shadowy atmosphere provided by the backing music. Chloe’s vocals really come into their own on this magical number. One Day At A Time has a more modern fresh-faced sound but Chloe’s silky vocals still remain. Nothing Really Matters is an atmospheric folk infused song, again punctuated by great backing music. I Won’t Let You Down has a faster beat than some of the other songs on the album. There are shades of Dolores O'Riordan in Chloe’s vocals. The final song on the album is entitled Born In The Morning. This is an amazing song sung with great passion. The lyrics are very sentimental. A simple song that will bring a tear to the eye. Overall this is a fantastic album brimming with possibility. It is a joy to listen to. Most listeners will find themselves with this stunning album on repeat play. Chloe is due to tour later this year and has some dates in the UK, on listening to this album I for one will be hoping to check her out live.