CD Review: A Simple Path - Irene Kelley
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A Simple Path was originally released on her own label. It received notice for an independent release and was picked up by Relentless Records for national release. All of the songs on this album were co-written by Irene Kelley. It is a strong album and all of the songs tell a story. Most have a start from an event in Irene's life. She has a bluegrass sound and slightly reminds me of Emmylou Harris. However, Irene is her own person with her own unique sound. I really like the fact that she doesn't rely on the "electric" sound and you can hear the fiddle, mandolin and dobro. I didn't realize how many artists are drifting away from these instruments in their music today. The first single release off this album is "A Little Bluer Than That." She is mourning a lost love, picturing him in another's arms tonight. She offers various sad scenarios, but always ends with "But I'm a little bluer than that...." It is really hard to pick a favorite song off this album, because they are all very good. If I had to choose one, I would have to pick "Constant State of Grace" as a favorite. This is a story of a homeless woman. It makes you see the pride she has. We look at her and see so little, but she is standing in "a constant state of grace." No matter what life hands her, she keeps going. "No shoes on her feet, no sorrow on her face...." "Dancin' Shoes" takes you through the stages of a little girl's life. One day she is all dressed up in satin and sequins for dance class and ready to steal the show. The next thing you know she is in a new dress and heels ready for her first date. Then it is on to lace and white satin and Daddy gives his little girl away. In a change from the traditional country "he done me wrong" songs there is "Pilgrim in the Rain." In this song she is offering her heart and trying to make amends. She says "I've got no right to be here, but I've got nothing left to lose." Irene got the idea for "Not So Different After All" when she was driving and saw some homeless people. She realized that except for circumstances it could be her in their place, and they really weren't all that different when it came right down to it. The idea for the song was born, and it just asks that people remember that before they start to cast the stones of difference. "Never Lookin' Back" deals with the fact that no matter how you try to plan and scheme, life is ultimately out of your hands. The best you can do is to take it one step at a time, walk the "Simple Path," look straight ahead and don't look back. Bottom line: For anyone who enjoys the pure sound of country music with a tinge of bluegrass, this is the album for you. There is not a bad song on this album. All of the songs tell a story and they don't have the constant chorus repetition as the bulk of the song. Here is another talented song writer who has proven she can sing as well as she writes. Song List:
MP3 clip courtesy of Irene Kelley's Official Site. All graphics © Shelly Fabian, with the exception of the album cover, used with permission of Relentless Nashville.
Buy A Simple Path.
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