Charlie Major - Through God's Eyes
2011 Charlie Major
2011 Charlie Major
Charlie Major's "Through God's Eyes" is an easy-going country/pop ballad that bemoans the state of mankind and the world around us, calling on the classic theme suggested in the title. While a bit cliché, the song has a solid melody and a chorus that's easy to sing/hum along to. It's the sort of song that's very palatable to country music radio programmers and will also appeal to the Contemporary Christian crowd. At the same time, this theme has been done so many times it may just disappear after a few spins.
Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)
The Trouble With Templeton - Bleeders
2011, The Trouble With Templeton
2011, The Trouble With Templeton
Neat acoustic-guitar based song, with tortured vocal style and nice accents in the form of minimal vocal harmonies. Gorgeous guitar work forms a warm core from which the desolateness of this song can grow. This is a compelling little number, and for all of the roughness of Thomas Calder's voice, his is an intriguing sound that fits perfectly here.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Teleprompter - Banshee
2011, Teleprompter
2011, Teleprompter
Teleprompter's "Banshee" is a violent throwback to the New Wave era, soaked in synthesizer and distorted guitar. Mitch Exton wails the vocal line in a frenetic performance that gets points for enthusiasm and energy. This is an entertaining number with the brash energy of punk rock; easy to dance to and lose yourself for three-and-a-half minutes.
Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Millions - Those Girls
2011, Millions
2011, Millions
"Those Girls" is a catchy alt-rocker with a 1980's feel and a bit of funk in the bass line. It's a highly entertaining number that rarely slows down. Shades of U2 can be heard in the vocal line and the utter dark/light juxtaposition of the song.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
Kristin Chenoweth - I Want Somebody (B!tch About)
2011, Masterworks Broadway
2011, Masterworks Broadway
Kristin Chenoweth is a musical chameleon. The TONY and EMMY Award winner has recorded performed or recorded pop, Broadway and even sacred music. With "I Want Somebody (B!tch About) she moves firmly into the country music realm. The first single from her upcoming album, Some Lessons Learned, is simultaneously one of the most honest songs about love to come out of the pop/country spectrum and as campy as can be. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the vocals here; Chenoweth can sing absolutely anything, but the brief spoken word intro is a distraction that may make it harder for some listeners to take the song seriously. The song itself is wonderfully written and performed, effectively straddling the lines between country and rock. Don't be surprised if Chenoweth flirts with the top of the country charts with "I Want Somebody (B!tch About)".
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Randy Travis - He Walked On Water (feat. Kenny Chesney)
2011,
Randy Travis re-works "He Walked On Water" as a duet with Kenny Chesney for 2011. The ode to Travis' great-grandfather is touching and well-written, and delivers a dose of old-school country charm, ala George Jones. This song is a winner all the way around, from sentiment to melody. Chesney and Travis pair together well, reflecting two generations of country stars coming together in the balladeering roots of the genre.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)