Album Review
Kim Richey - Glimmer
Mercury Records
Purchase The Album
Kim Richey's third release Glimmer opens with the autobiographical cut "Can't Loose Them All". Kim's angelic voice is filled with incredible confidence as she sings a song about her attitude towards her music (the song seems like a pretty obvious statement directed at radio, who has ignored her last two critically acclaimed releases). That song is the start of an incredibly captivating musical experience that seems to end all too quickly when the albums 14 cuts are played out.
Richey apparently doesn't give a damn about what the industry thinks is "acceptable" country music. In fact, it doesn't seem like she gives a damn what anyone wants to label her music anymore either. Glimmer is an example of an artist experimenting with different styles of music and performing all so convincingly that it defies categorization.
Producer Hugh Padgham has surrounded Kim's high-soaring vocals with lush instrumentals. Combine this with Richey's outstanding songwriting talents and you have an album that's destined to become a classic.
"Hello, Old Friend" puts Richey in the role of a woman who runs into an old friend (it's pretty obvious this "friend" is an old romantic interest) and tells the story of that awkward conversation that is getting to know each other again. Then Richey switched gears with "The Way It Never Was" where she trashes an ex for trying to get her back and pretending that their relationship wasn't a complete disaster. The blaring electric guitar found on "Strength In You" is an interesting part of a very unique love song. Soaring vocals make "Gravity" pure heaven. A tale about how unpredictable life can be and how we should just learn to accept that fact.
When the fourteen tracks of this album play out it's obvious that Kim Richey is simply one of the most talented musical artists recording today. Her first two albums were classics and Glimmer is no different. This time around Kim Richey has definitely stretched the boundaries of what we call country music. But unlike most artists, she does it without turning her music into worthless filler. In fact, it's made her music even better. Pick up Glimmer. It simply isn't an album you should be without.
Album Review by Jeff Krasky
The WOC Rating Scale |
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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. |