Member Since: 6/10/2008
Posts: 5,271
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New Kellie Picker's Album
Quote:
Kellie's new album is out in three weeks (Sept. 30), and as part of her record label's fiendish plot to bury her career (a viewpoint occasionally expressed among the more paranoid sectors of the Blog Pound), she's co-hosting ABC's CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock special tonight with fellow members of country's blonde invasion Julianne Hough and Taylor Swift. Surely no one will see here there (that was sarcasm).
Meanwhile, I was happy to receive an advance copy of the new, self-titled album, and wanted to share my first impressions. As you might recall, I was a big fan of her first album; indeed, it's one of my top five Idol albums (at least).
I'm pleased to say this one's a good one as well -- mostly upbeat, plenty of perky, pop-oriented country tunes with recurring Dolly Parton-esque touches (and evocations of other top country singers as well). She sings with confidence and swagger, and -- if all the planets align in accordance for radio -- could have some hits.
Track by track:
1. Don't You Know You're Beautiful (current single): The lyrics smack of a Disney self-affirmation anthem, and the chorus isn't quite as arresting as the verse, but this is a power-packed, assured opener, well sung.
2. I'm Your Woman: Quite reminiscent of Shania Twain, but since there's little Shania around at the moment, this sort of rock-country hybrid is more than welcome.
3. Rocks Instead of Rice (one of five songs co-written by Kellie): A more midtempo rocker with a rabid jealousy theme, played for laughs. Country's best example of this sort of catty number is Lee Ann Womack's brilliant I'll Think of a Reason Later, and this is right in that pocket, highly amusing stuff.
4. Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You: If that title sounds familiar, it should, because this is a rerecorded (and longer by 32 seconds) version of a power ballad from her first album. Not sure what the point of repeating it was, unless there are plans to release it as a single down the line, but it's a solid track.
5. Lucky Girl: A cover of song recently released in Australia by Aussie singer Catherine Britt (who also co-wrote it). Upbeat minor-key ditty that's quite likable.
6. One Last Time (Kellie co-write): Ballad with an impressively powerful chorus.
7. Best Days of Your Life (Kellie co-write with Taylor Swift, who also sings on it): A rocker that's one of my favorites on the album, and seemingly a sure-fire future single.
8. Somebody to Love Me (Kellie co-write): Standard-issue big country ballad, probably my least favorite because it lacks any particular distinct personality, but certainly serviceable.
9. Makin' Me Fall in Love Again: Very Parton-esque upbeat number, not a real strong song if you ask me, but certainly has commercial potential.
10. Going Out in Style (Kellie co-write): Another perky ditty with Parton-like overtones, not to mention lots of fashionable name brand namedrops.
Highly enjoyable album, although a bit skimpy at 10 songs (including one semi-repeat from the earlier album). Fans should note, however, that there are three further tracks exclusively appearing on the iTunes version of the album: Anything but Me (originally on the track listing for the conventional album but bumped) and covers of Keith Whitley's Don't Close Your Eyes and the Everly Brothers' Let It Be Me.
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http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/
Hope she will do well.
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