Album Review
Kim Richey
Rise
Lost Highway Records
Purchase The Album
Each Kim Richey album tends to be a distinct musical experience. You’re never going to hear the same record twice. Her self-titled debut took a shot at obtaining mainstream country airplay with infectious songs like “Just My Luck” and “Those Words We Said”. Bittersweet came around a few years later, stripped away some production and produced one hell of an album. The single “I Know” is still one of her best songs. Then seemingly frustrated she teamed up with Melissa Etheridge’s former producer Hugh Padgham and release Glimmer; a slick album with more than a little rock influence. It was also a success on many levels. So with such a solid track record behind her I eagerly awaited Rise. This time around Kim has teamed up with Bill Bottrell who has worked with Sheryl Crow, Shelby Lynne, and others. The new record is an Americana masterpiece blending the best of country’s soul with roots rock influences.
“Girl In A Car” opens the album and finds Kim making an escape from life behind the wheel of her car. It’s a moody, somber tune and Kim’s voice floats over it. Then just one track later you find her dreaming about settling down somewhere in “A Place Called Home”, which stands as one of the albums best tracks. It’s an absolutely gut wrenching story song. “Hard To Say Goodbye” in one that anyone who’s had a broken heart will relate to instantly.
Richey then picks up the pace with “Me and You” and the truly quirky “The Circus Song (Can’t Let Go)” about her experience with a circus show. It’s catchy with the strange instrumentation and Richey’s strong writing. You’ll find yourself playing that song over and over again. “No Judges” almost has a Middle Eastern sound to the instrumental and Kim pulls that one off with ease as well. The first single “This Love” is a rocking little tune co-written with Chuck Prophet and truly is a good choice for that debut song out on the airwaves.
Country music continues to morph in front of our eyes. The pop influence is everywhere like it or not and then you have people like Kim Richey who are bringing great songwriting and intelligent music to the table. Some of these songs might not grab you right away. It’s a pretty heavy record. But with each repeated listen Kim tightens the grip she has on you and you realize just how brilliant these songs are. Rise might just be the album that’s her big break and even if it isn’t people like Kim Richey deserve to be making these great records. Think of it as a feather in the record labels hat and a gift to music fans everywhere. Rise is stunning and an album you really need to hear to believe.
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. |