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Rise - Kim Richey | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
When Kim Richey arrived in 1995 she had already helped write a few hits hits for some of the best artists in country nusic. Radney Foster had a big hit with their "Nobody Wins" which appeared on his debut album. When her first album was released, Kim was being hailed as "the next Mary Chapin Carpenter."
After the initial brush with top 40 success Kim Richey didn't appear on the charts again until 1999 when her "Come Around" off the "Glimmer" album was released. However, the single wasn't ever released to country radio. It was a hit on the Billboard Adult Alternative Top 40 chart.
The "Glimmer" album was a departure from Kim's previous two releases in that it was oriented towards that Adult Alternative market. Her new release, and first for Lost Highway Records after recording for Mercury previously, "Rise" is an album along the same lines.
The "Rise" album itself is actually closer to being a bridge between the Country and Adult Alternative genres than the slicker sounds found on "Glimmer." If I were to descrive Kim's current style, I'd say it's closer to Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Griffin, and Lucinda Williams than Reba McEntire or Dolly Parton.
"Girl In A Car" sounds somewhat similar to what would appear on a Sheryl Crow album. The main reason for the similarities is the production of Bill Bottrell who also produced a few albums for Sheryl. The music has a waltz sound with lyrics about her being "just a girl in a car leaving" her boyfriend behind.
"A Place Called Home" is a beautiful ballad about a woman who has wandered alone her whole life looking for somewhere to settle down. The lyrics are well written and the music is soft and delicate. This is just one instance of her lyrical genius.
"Me And You" sure sounds like an Adult Alternative hit. It also could be a Country hit, if radio would just give her the chance. The song is upbeat and peppy yet talks about a couple that only blame each other for their faults.
"Without You" is the first single that was released to radio. The lyrics of this ballad talk about how she's getting on without her past lover. The production is crisp and the vocals are as stellar as Kim has ever recorded.
"Reel Me In" is another slower paced song with a soft sound. Kim is singing here about a woman who is willing to do anything to be with that certain special someone, even one with faults.
"No Judges" features some interesting production. With a banjo being intertwined with a steady drumbeat, the song is about a person who is learning that no one will judge them. The lyrics and music lend the song to sound as if it were intended to be different. (in a good way).
"Good Day Here" is a mid-tempoed track about a woman who has a great day and wants to know how her ex feels. Again the production features some interesting mixed elements with a drum machine, piano and a banjo, almost as if they listened to a Mark McGuinn album.
While the album isn't necessarilly a country album in the traditional sense, it is still a wonderful album that is Kim Richey's best to date. Those who liked any of her first three albums are sure to like "Rise." Those who like Alison Moorer or other similar "fringe" artists are sure like this album.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
Album cover, used with permission of Lost Highway.
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