Shelly Fraley - Into The Sun
2011, Hinterland House Publishing Co.
2011, Hinterland House Publishing Co.
Native Kansan and Nashvilletransplant Shelly Fraley began writing songs at a young age on an out-of-tunechurch piano. Inspired by the pop music of her youth, Fraley developed a strongsense of melody and an appreciation for great hooks that lights up hersongwriting with verve and panache. Fraley seems to have struck a chord alongthe line, with her songs featured on such shows as Private Practice, OneTree Hill, Army Wives and Pretty Little Liars. Fraley continues tobuild momentum on the back of her debut album, Into The Sun, whileembarking on an East Coast tour of the U.S. in the Fall of 2011.
Into The Sun opens with "Sway", showing off a lush poparrangement and sultry voice ala Canadian chanteuse Sarah Slean. "Come On,Let Go" is a catchy, bouncy pop tune about inertia in relationships, andhaving the courage to let go when the time is right. Fraley's chorus is thesort that sticks with you, replaying itself in your mind long after the song isover. "Two At A Time" is a cute song of reminiscence of the joy andexcitement of new love. Reserved in approach, Fraley nonetheless manages tocreate a catchy and memorable pop number with substance. "Up, Up &Away" seems the most likely hit here; a shiny bit of pop gold with arootsy base that gets in your skull and stays there.
On "Be Brave", Fraley ispsyching herself up to talk to someone she can't get out of her head. She knowshe likes her too but just can't seem to make the first move. The song iswonderfully authentic, steeped in the normal neuroses of insecurity that plagueus all when trying to interact with others. "Uh Oh I'm Fallin'" is alight and fluffy number about the pure elation of falling in love. Fraley nailsthe moment, encapsulating it in a musical atmosphere that's perfect for hersubject. "Seize The Day" is all about picking up the pieces andmoving on. A positive message in difficult light, the song itself is a solidalbum track, but Fraley's addition of strings to fill out the arrangement is anice touch. Into The Sun closes with "Hi, Hi, Hi", exploringthe circular nature of an on-again, off-again relationship. Fraley pulls offanother memorable chorus in the process, writing a tune that will call you backand encourage you to hit play again.
Fraley contributes piano and voiceon Into The Sun, but gets some help from alumni of the Josh Gracin Band,Sixpence None The Richer, Outsiders and Tonic along the way. Producer Mark Nash(PFR, Sixpence None The Richer) helps Fraley construct a musical tableau thatputs her personal observations in song in their best light. There's adistinctive pop feel that pervades Into The Sun, but also a messy,organic side that makes Fraley's songwriting accessible and authentic to thelistener at home. Into The Sun is a great start.
Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Shelly Fraley at www.shellyfraley.comor www.myspace.com/shellyfraley. IntoThe Sun is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download. The album is also available via iTunes.