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Jillianne Hamilton.
Jessica Rhaye - Good Things
By Jillianne Hamilton
(06/04/09)
Some albums remind me of different relationships I've had in my life: friends, family, crushes, everything. Jessica Rhaye's album, Good Things, reminds me of the
weather.
Good Things is the newest release from the sweet songwriting siren from Saint John, NB. She released her self-titled debut in 2002 and her second album,
Short Stories, in 2006.
"Good Things", the album's title track, was co-written with Canadian musician Ron Sexsmith. It's light, fluffy and reminds you of laying in the grass on a warm spring
day, holding the hand of your special someone.
As corny as that sounds, I'm being completely honest.
"Shining Star" begins like most female-sung pop folk tunes; gentle, sweet with slow guitar strums. By the end, it's a fun, swingin' cabaret-sounding anthem. If I walked into
an old-fashioned piano bar and saw someone belting out this tune (while laying across a shiny black piano, of course), I would not be surprised.
And you gotta respect a good cover. Rhaye's rendition of "Wild Horses" (The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers, 1971) is simply beautiful. It's actually quite
touching and emotional. With that being sad, this song has been redone by so many other artists (Chantal Kreviazuk, Jewel, Sheryl Crow,
Guns N' Roses, Iron & Wine and Neil Young, to name a few), it's unlikely to get the attention it really deserves. Maybe a lesser-known song would have
been a wiser choice.
There seems to be more rainy day songs than sunny tunes on this album- but I'm not complaining. Watching the rain through a drizzly window and listening to
"Time Out", "Weather Man", "Holding Out", "Everything For Love" and the heartbreaking and personal (yet completely relatable) "Where's An Angel". And then, when the sun
breaks, the CD will stop on the sweet, old-time-country-drenched "Maybe".
There's no denying that Rhaye can sing. But I'd love to hear this talented young woman singing more happy songs (like "Shining Star") and ones that really challenge her
impressive vocal range (like "Wild Horses"). But, if not, that's good too. Any folk-pop fan would enjoy this album.
But they'd like it best on a rainy day.
Related links:
+ Jessica Rhaye's official site
+ Rhaye's MySpace
+ Facebook page
Go back to Reviews.
Go back to Reading Material.
* * * * *
Jillianne Hamilton is a writer, blogger and a lover of indie music, funny movies, artsy things and the color red. She is studying Journalism at
Holland College, had an internship at the
Truro Daily News
and blogs for various college and pop culture websites. To contact Jill, visit her
website.
