Kari Smith - CD Review

Kari Smith
Gypsy Of Love
Vanillity Music LLC 610553087825
*****
An enthralling album from a fresh-faced young lady who has a lot to offer
Kari Smith is a Nashville based singer who would rather go out and find her audience than rest on her laurels. Her free time is spent teaching music as well as writing and recording. Kari performs with other bands in a variety of guises, something which has allowed her to be on stage with big names like Huey Lewis and The News. In 2005 one of her songs was used in an independent film. Kari is pretty and has a fresh-faced keenness about her, which is reflected in her music. She has been compared to the likes of Miranda Lambert and Patty Griffin. Kari combines country with rock and in this album has come up with something just that extra bit special. A real treat for music lovers every where. The title number gets the album started. Gypsy Of Love instantly shows that this girl means business. This song has a definite country rock sound making it easy to see why she has been compared to Miranda Lambert. Both women’s styles are very similar. I Have Fun is less rocky and more country. Whisper is a magical song with lovely harmonies, bringing to mind The Judds. I Think Of You is a classy country song with a punchy hook. There are definitely some similarities between Kari’s vocals and those of Wynonna Judd. Mostly Me is another great song with a pop infused feel. Can’t Help But Play has a more traditional country feel. A slower number with a classy sound. My Sisters is a catchy modern country song. Lighthouse again has a pop feel about it. Lovely lyrics adorn this beautiful number. I Call It Love allows Kari to show off her vocals and that she surely does. This is a truly soulful number that really stands out. The penultimate song on the album is perhaps the best of the lot. A slow ballad which brings to mind Tanya Tucker. Concrete Doll is gorgeous and absolutely amazing. One of those songs that stops you in your tracks. The final offering is another Miranda Lambert style song with a rocky sound. River City Home ends the album where it began – with a punch.