Renee McCullough CD Review

Renee McCullough
Cool Me
Self-released
****
Uplifting good quality music with a rocky edge
Although singer/songwriter Renee McCullough is not a household name she has been performing her music for the past twenty years. Her debut album COOL ME was produced by Grammy Award winning engineer Jim Robeson. Renee started off her musical carer by playing folk venues. She performs regularly in local venues with her music a blend of Americana and country. Renee has numerous musical influences including Lucinda Williams and Neil Young. Her debut album starts off with You Got Nothin On Me. Renee’s vocals are raspy and reminiscent in style of Jennifer Nettles. This is an amazing song bulging with atmosphere and depth. Cool Me is a softer song but Renee’s vocals are still magical and a delight to listen to. Renee blends country with rock and Americana with ease. Weeds sees the tempo step up a gear. This is a rocky song with a distinct edge. The music is heavier and Renee’s voice is powerful. Pink Room is a slower song, which received an honourable mention from the 2008 Mid-Atlantic song contest. Renee’s vocals are gentle and evocative. Rocket has a strong country feel. This is an upbeat engaging song. Renee’s vocals are bouncy and energetic. Catastrophic has a distinct traditional country feel. There are some similarities between Renee’s vocals on this song and those of top country singer Lorrie Morgan. Visionary Man has a modern pop/country sound. Renee’s vocals are a real joy to listen to as they vary so much from song to song. Baltimore is one of those songs you need to stop and really listen to. Renee blends Reba McEntire style country with a touch of gospel on this rousing song. This is an uplifting song full of energy. Betray is an upbeat rocky song. Renee’s vocals are striking and really stand out against the heavy backing music. The final song is a slow delicate number called Wait And See. Renee’s vocals really shine bright and bold on this glorious song, which is perhaps the highlight of the whole album. COOL ME is packed full of amazing songs that come to life thanks to the wonderful vocal talents of Renee McCullough.