Alana Grace – With One Word

Alana Grace – With One Word
2009, Fragile Heart Records

Alana Grace is a wunderkind.  The singer, songwriter and working actress shows incredibly depth for her twenty years.  Based in Los Angeles, Grace came to national prominence when her song “Black Roses Red” was featured on the soundtrack of The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants.    Since then, Grace has appeared at Bonnaroo and Coachella and has even graced the cover of Teen People.  In 2009, Alana Grace released her sophomore album With One Word.  The album features Grace’s pleasing voice applied to somewhat pro-forma songwriting.  The cream of the crop is “Paranoid”, with Alana Grace channeling a bit of Amy Lee in an edgy pop tune that’s ready for prime time.  “Mess Of You” sounds like radio fodder, but Grace presents it with real energy.  “Black Roses Red” is included here as the final track, and it’s easy to see why this was a breakout track for Alana Grace.  The song has a chorus that sticks with you, and Grace fills the vocal line with an edgy and vibrant energy that taps you on the shoulder and insists you pay attention.  Much of the rest of the album is pedestrian; neither particularly exciting nor imposing.  Grace’s voice is a pleasure to listen to, but the songwriting throughout With One Word is uneven.  When she’s on, Grace is capable of writing highly infectious and enjoyable pop songs, but no one bats a thousand.

Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Alana Grace at www.alanagrace.com or www.myspace.com/alanagrace.  With One Word is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available from iTunes.