Jake Kellen CD Review

Jake Kellen
Grace
Horny Toad Records 884501195263
****
Golden gems bring this album to life and make it a must have
Jake Kellen grew up in a small farming community in the town of Littlefield. At an early age Jake learned how to sing and play the guitar. He enjoyed performing in the annual talent show. His focus wasn’t music at that time however it was baseball. In the end however music won through. In 2005 Jake released his first studio album called TAKE ME HOME. The album contained ten original songs and featured some of the music industries top musicians. Jake’s new album GRACE also features some top musicians including John Hagen on cello and Lloyd Maines on Pedal Steel. GRACE features a mix of driving songs to make you feel good, party songs, love songs and funny songs. The album opens with a great country song called Days Of Thunder. Jake’s sound instantly brings to mind Kenny Chesney combined with a touch of Brad Paisley. Lifetime is a faster paced country song with an upbeat feel. The instrumentation on this song really brings it to life. Garth Brooks would not seem out of place singing this song. Three Day Weekend is a classy slow country song. Jake’s vocals are strong and a pleasure to listen to. Sail Away is another up-tempo song with a catchy beat. Jake’s voice is delightful on this song as he varies his vocal range. Every so often there are hints of Josh Turner in Jake’s vocal style. Stay is a slow love song. If you like romantic songs sung well then you will love this delightful offering. This is up there with the best! Grace is a faster song in the style of Garth Brooks. The Love Song is a traditional country/bluegrass song. King Of Texas Music is a humorous song, which will remind listeners of Brad Paisley. Jake’s almost narrative vocals are rich and sweep listeners along for the ride. Sunday is a slower song with a charming emotional vibe. This is a sublime song with enchanting vocals and lovely backing music. Richard’s Song is a modern up-tempo song. I suppose every album has to have one rocky modern up-tempo fun song but compared to the other songs on this engaging album it seems slightly out of place. It’s A Shame is a slow country song, which sees Jake return to form. Tonight is a modern country song with a catchy chorus. Again it would be easy to compare Jake to many of the top male country artists around today. Tennessee is a great final offering. This is another slow song with a lovely sound. This album is packed full of little treats. A few really golden gems bring this album to life and make it a must have.