Laura Critchley CD Review

Label – Big Print
Catalogue No – BPRCDA1



Album review of Laura Critchley – Sometimes I


The story behind Laura Critchley’s debut album seems a magical one – the stuff fairy tales are made of. Laura and her music were discovered through her MySpace internet page; she was signed by independent record label Big Print Music and is now managed by Jeremy Marsh. Late last year her debut album – Sometimes I was released. She has supported the Sugarbabes on tour and performed on stage with Ronan Keating, who is apparently a huge fan of Laura’s music. Karen Carpenter is Laura’s biggest musical inspiration so much so that there is a song dedicated to Karen on the album. Laura also notes Mariah Carey as a big inspiration in her musical journey and Leanne Rimes, Carole King and Alison Moyet as musical influences.

Four female artists came to mind when I first played Laura’s CD – Faith Hill, Leanne Rimes, Olivia Newton-John and Sheena Easton. Laura’s vocal talents seem to touch on all four of these wonderful female artists during the length of the album. It is easy to see how people like Carole King and Leanne Rimes have influenced Laura’s style. That said Laura has a voice very much of her own. Although the tempo of this album does not change much throughout this is a good high quality album full of strong vocals and interesting songs. This isn’t just another female singer/songwriter trying to make a name for herself – this is a singer/songwriter with bags of talent and a voice to match. Laura is someone who deserves to be heard and deserves to make a big name for herself in the world of music.

Although Laura’s debut offering has been labelled as a ‘pop’ record she would not sound out of place being played alongside the likes of Faith Hill, Jessica Andrews or Leanne Rimes on a country show. Her slow ballads could certainly give Faith or Leanne a run for their money.

The opening track on this CD is called – Today’s Another Day, a lively number reminiscent of Faith Hill’s – This Kiss. It has catchy lyrics and a pleasant melody. Shoulder To Lean On, is an up-tempo track which shows a different side to Laura’s vocals. It is on this track that I am first reminded of Sheena Easton.

What Do We Do is a slower track about a failing romance. All of the tracks on this album are co-written by Laura. David Whitmey helped out with the writing on this emotional track. This is definitely one of the stand out tracks on the album. I’ll Be Ok is another song about romance and failing love affairs. Love and romance seem to be the key theme throughout this album that said this is not an album of slushy romantic songs that people will cringe over. This is a strong set of songs with punchy lyrics and clever hooks. I’ll Be Ok is a song that will resonate with anyone who has been in a failed relationship.

Sometimes I, the albums title track is a gentle number which shows off Laura’s delicate vocals. This is a nice track to listen to on a hot summer’s day when you are on the beach as if gently floats along.

Tell Me has a strong chorus and is a song about mistakes and begging for someone to give ‘the other person’ a second chance. “I keep making all the same mistakes again” Laura sings in the opening line of the song. Don’t we all when we are in love?

That Kinda’ Love is another gentle song, which shows off Laura’s softer vocals. This is another song that plays heavily on the theme of love, but it is not a mushy song by any means. Country singer Jessica Andrews springs to mind on this track.

Superstar is a magical song dedicated to Karen Carpenter. This song has been featured on Mojo’s play list and it is easy to see why. This is an outstanding song that really shines on what is a highly polished album. This song has lovely vocals and lyrics that really come from the heart.

Don’t Say is another song about love and romance, about being wanted but not being wanted by the other person. This song is lively and has cleverly crafted lyrics.

Girl Next Door is a fantastic song with very subtle lyrics – “people always try and place me in a category in little boxes that’s as far as they can see, pigeonholing and controlling all I do” I think a lot of girls will be able to relate to those words. This song is a strong contender for a single in the future I would think. Another of the highlights of this album.

Incredible shows how Carole King’s influence has rubbed off on Laura. Laura fluctuates on this song between strong, loud vocals and soft delicate vocals.

The album ends with a truly beautiful song that tugs at the heartstrings called Lullaby. This is a soft heart warming song that brings a tear to the eye. It is worth buying the album just to hear this particular song. The simple lyrics and soft instrumentation on this song really bring the emotion out in Laura’s voice.
A fantastic song to finish off a classy collection of songs!

Laura has worked hard to get where she is now and this album is the produce of her fruits of hard labour. From gigs in local pubs to being discovered on the internet, from the support of local radio stations and papers to being critically acclaimed by the likes of Ronan Keating. Sometimes I is a remarkable debut album which showcases Laura’s obvious talents. It will be interesting to see how she develops and if she can become a household name.