Kelly McMichael – Waves
$15.98
- I Missed Out On Everything
- Out The Window
- Stepping Stone
- She Makes Men
- It Will Pas
- Good Friends
- I Won’t Stop
- Montreal
- Love Is On
- Can’t At All
Description
Kelly McMichael’s, “WAVES” pulls you in upon its first crest. Thematically, “I Missed Out On Everything” is the ideal opener for an album that chronicles a personal journey. It oozes with a 1970’s pop-radio vibe, its lyric examining the present with an eye on the past, a cathartic process to kick off an intriguing and compelling set of songs. Wisdom is doing the right thing without a precedent and the lyrics softly allude to this assessment.
“Out The Window” addresses the concept of overcoming. Blissfully dolled up in an 80’s dance-synth sound and a celebratory mood, and we’re off to the races.
It’s the vibrant and lush “Stepping Stone” that reaches out and grabs the listener. A sure-fire hit single in the old-school manner(think Elton John, circa.1972) with a real beauty of a chorus. By this time we’re falling helplessly in love with Kelly’s voice; confident, soaring and emotionally balanced, she scores perfect on every mark.
“She Makes Men” is another one of the album’s stand-out numbers. An intriguing lyric; a somewhat poetic vignette adorned with a mellifluous melody (there’s that early 70’s Elton influence again).
“It Will Pass” features the disc’s most tender moment embellished by an elongated, dreamy and psychedelic outro that pulls and tugs your senses like a kite high in an open field.
“I Won’t Stop” unleashes some anger and disappointment while “Montreal” delivers a more reflective message with a seamless bridge following the second chorus and leading us out.
The album closes with a search for the remaining unanswered questions…or so it seems. Yet still, “Waves” bravely delves into issues the artist has struggled with, come to terms with, achieving a better sense of firm-footing and a summation of a period of doubt and uncertainty arriving at a better place. As themes, optimism and hope win out and Kelly’s expressive vocal prowess delivers big-time on this album.
The singer/songwriter is a unique breed of artist indeed. They craft poetic notes and conceive of potential melodies and then gather together sympathetic musicians to help fully realize their intention. Kelly McMichael has gathered her flock, most notably Jake Nicoll, wearer of many hats, Maria Peddle, Sarah Harris and Mara Pellerin.
Fans of Sheryl Crow, Sarah Harmer, Courtney Barnett, Brandi Carlisle and Lucinda Williams will enjoy.
