Album Review: To Be Human by Kathleen Blackwell

Album Name: To Be Human
Artist: Kathleen Blackwell
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent

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Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Kathleen Blackwell has a clothing line called “cougar rock” and I suppose she growls a bit. But she’s equally adept at slower songs like opener Beautiful Dreamer where she plays the piano and sings in a lovely manner. It’s strident but with finesse.

Rude Boy sees the singer at her most tough, and yet she expenses herself well to a rockin’ tune. It appears to be about and ex, but the martial metaphors make me think of a certain ex-president.

The title track is a strong statement about living life to the fullest, set to a gorgeous piano backing. Blackwell’s vocals are strong here.

Broken rocks and speaks of a broken heart with obvious concern. Blackwell’s tougher side shows here and she’s right at home with it. The vocals could be higher in the mix, but it works well anyway.

It’s a strong debut.

Track Listing
1. Beautiful Dreamer
2. Missbehavin’
3. Rude Boy
4. To Be Human
5. I Don’t Know
6. Crush
7. Broken
8. Behavin’
9. Imago
10. Shelter Me

[Kathleen Blackwell Official Site]


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