Elyse Saunders CD Review

Elyse Saunders
Elyse Saunders
Self released 776127302722
*****
A talent to be reckoned with
Born and raised in Ontario, Elyse Saunders a nineteen year old fresh faced female singer/songwriter who has always had a passion for music. Elyse made her debut performance opening for Deric Ruttan in July 2008, at a venue packed full of over 10,000 country music fans. Experienced singer/songwriter Cyril Rawson took Elyse under his wing and helped her develop her talent for singing. The end result being a self-titled album packed with thirteen fantastic tracks. Compared with the likes of Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood, Elyse effortlessly switches from soulful slow numbers to fast paced racy numbers that really stand out from the crowd. Elyse is not just another pretender to the female country throne she is the real deal. The album starts off with a lively rocky number entitled Mamma Hates Guitars. This is one of those tracks that really packs a punch – not for the faint hearted. Don’t Touch Me Like That follows on in the same vain as the opening track. Another rocky number, which sounds highly polished. Bittersweet sees the mood slowed down just a little. Elyse really shines on this emotional number reminiscent in style and sound of Martina McBride. Long Enough is a gritty song that sees Elyse change down another gear. This is one of those songs that will get under your skin. Army of Angels is a really upbeat number that allows Elyse to show off her vocals talents to their full potential. A future single I would suggest, it is certainly striking enough to be a big hit! Try It On For Size is another fast number. Where I’ve Never Been is a slow number, delicate in style. Sally’s Out Rocking Tonight is a classy song with a truly modern pop/country vibe. Nobody’s Watchin’ was the first radio release from this album and it is easy to see why. A pop infused song with a dash of country thrown in for good measure. This is a catchy number that will easily appeal to fans of top notch modern country. Paris Is Burning is a truly amazing song, tender and soulful. Elyse sounds much older than her nineteen years on this outstanding track. Love Re-Invented sees the tempo lifted once again. Yet another good quality song. What’s Stoppin’ You has a slight old fashioned sound about it, which is echoed in the use of instrumentation on this song. The album ends in a similar style to how it started with a punchy track entitled More Of That, the newest radio single off of the album. I can hear echoes of Dolly Parton’s vocals in this final song. Let’s just hope that Elyse is allowed to grow and develop her musical talents and have as long a career as Dolly. Elyse has had the opportunity to work with some great names in producing this album. One such name is Canadian Lisa Brokop who appears on this album providing background vocals. This album is suited more to the tastes of people who like the modern more lively side of country music. Elyse is certainly a talent and force to be reckoned with. All the songs on this album are superb, not one let’s the quality of the album down!