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Providence Soundtrack - Various Artists | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
I admit it. I like soundtracks. Mainly I like them because where else would you get an album that mixes numerous songs from various artists that feature similar themes on one CD. On "Music from the television series Providence" there are twelve eclectic tracks that mix various styles of songs. There are a few country, pop, rock, and folk songs.
What every song has going for it whether it's country, pop or rock, are well written lyrics and good vocals. There are two versions of Providence's theme song "In My Life." Both tracks, one by folk rocker Shawn Colvin and the other by rocker Chantal Kreviazuk (who's actually perfected the theme song genre singing many of them), sound similar and don't stray too far from the Beatles' original.
"The Things We've Handed Down" is performed by Mark Cohn. The guy who had a huge hit, with the folk rocker "Walking In Memphis," and has had some of his songs recorded by country acts including Jo Dee Messina. The lyrics talk about the things that we get from our family genes. This song could easily be covered by a country act like Tim McGraw and turn it into a touching hit. Here it's a piano laden track that I simply find an incredibly well-written piece.
"Linger" may not be a country song, it's written and performed by folk-rocker Jonatha Brooke, but I could see any act, male or female, record it and make a hit out of it. The lyrics are about a person who cannot get a turbulent relationship off their mind. It's so well written that I sometimes think I'm listening to a Kim Richey song.
"Forgive" is Rebecca Lynn Howard's long awaited Country Top 40 debut. I say Country because she had a hit last year on the Adult Contemporary charts with Jim Brickman's "The Simple Things." With scathing lyrics about a guy who just expects his girlfriend/wife, (the singer), to forgive him for cheating on her. With lines like "Forgive/ oh, that's a mighty big word/ for such a small man/ I'm not sure I can/ I don't even know now who I am" this well written track finds Rebecca Lynn quickly becoming another strong voiced female whom many "traditionalists" think isn't "country." I however, think it is.
"Let The Sun Fall Down" is Kim Richey's fine 1995 song from her self-titled album. A slow yet beautiful ballad about loving in the moment instead of following the rest of the world is a fine song that wraps a string section around Kim's rich vocals.
Of the "In My Life" covers, I prefer Shawn Colvin's version much better. To me it's a lot more true to the original cover than Chantal's. perhaps it's the lack of strings that brings me closer to Shawn's version. I have always loved this song so I am always glad to hear different versions.
"Say Goodnight" is performed by hit songwriter Beth Neilson Chapman. The writer of songs like "This Kiss" here is singing a piano ballad that showcases her great lyrical ability. The song talks about "Say goodnight/ not goodbye/ you will never leave my heart behind/ like a path of a star/ I'll be anywhere you are."
While "Music from the television series Providence" is not necessarily country, nor is it pop or rock, it is simply a great collection of singer/songwriter songs that are featured in the television drama. Anyone who likes well written songs will enjoy this album.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
Album cover, used with permission of MCA Nashville.
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