Album Review
Kim Richey - Bitter Sweet
Mercury Records
Purchase The Album
Kim Richey is back after a year without a album. In the time she was away from recording she established herself as a performer, opening for acts such as Trisha Yearwood and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Now recording time has finally come again and Kim doesn't disappoint.
Richey's first album received tremendous critical acclaim which is rare for a new artist. This lead to everyone wondering if she was just a fluke. With the new album Bitter Sweet Richey eliminates all doubts by releasing a album of equal if not better quality then the first one.
Kim's song writing is haunting, her vocals crystal clear, and her instrumentals as good as they get. Richey's music doesn't just ask you to listen, it demands you too. When one of her songs is played on the radio you have to stop and listen. This power is not seen much in even some of the best artists but with Kim it's a every day thing.
You might think that music of that power would come in the form of ballads. Wrong, most of the album maintains the deeply instrumental tone of her previous release. Her road band played on this album and they give the recording a "been there, done that" feel you get from artists and musicians that are totally in touch with their material.
I'm Alright, I Know, and Every River should smash the charts if the radio station producers decide to play her music instead of using it as a attractive paper-weight like her first release. These songs display Richey's unique style and a just plain fun to listen too. Don't Let Me Down Easy proves to be a painful ballad and there are others on the disc that deserve recognition.
Kim Richey has done it again with Bitter Sweet. The album is about more than just music. It's about fighting for what you want and being successful against all odds. Kim has done that even with the radio programmers trying to drive her from the country music scene.
Get a copy of this album and give it a try! Words really don't do it justice.
Album Review by Jeff Krasky
The WOC Rating Scale |
|
The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection. This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level. This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there. A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy. This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark. |