Review: Justyna Kelley - Over The Moon

Justyna Kelley - Over The Moon
2010, Iconique Music Group

Justyna Kelley grew up in Nashville, in a household where jam sessions were as much a part of family play time as anything else. Kelley appears to have been groomed for a career in music, but it's her passion for music that makes her special. Kelley's debut album, Over The Moon, features the sort of Country/Pop/Adult Contemporary crossover appeal you'd expect from Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain or Faith Hill. Produced by David Kershenbaum (Joe Jackson, Tracy Chapman), Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Shawn Colvin) and Guy Eckstine (Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jeff Lorber), Over The Moon features ten songs worth of smooth radio-friendly country/pop and rock.

Over The Moon opens with "Once In A While", a musical monologue from one who feels forgotten in a relationship. "Once In A While" is a classic modern country ballad; Kelley delivers the song with a grace and dignity that will surprise you. It's a great opening song that is likely to have mild radio success but will fit nicely into the wonderful world of licensing. "The One I Love" is a happy mid-tempo country/pop gem. This song could be a hit on either side of the Country/Pop divide, with a chorus that will get stuck in your brain and refuse to leave. Kelley has a cultured country alto voice that is appealing; just a hint of sultry attitude hidden behind a wall of sweetness that suggests "girl next door" qualities. "Pushover" finds Kelley drifting more into the realm of Rock N Roll in a kiss off song to a friend who isn't really. It's a song of strength, of standing up for yourself. Kelley's delivery is solid, but perhaps a bit short on the anger that runs through the song.

"Over The Moon" is full of the starlight and effervescence of new love. Kelley's smooth delivery can't diminish the utter joy this song conveys, and the sweet sound of her upper range perhaps makes the song even more endearing. This one could be a bonafide pop and country hit. "Shoulda Known" is the sort of generic Pop/Country that seems to do well on commercial radio but is quickly forgotten; a decent enough song but just not something that will stick with you. Kelley puts her pop shoes on for "Have You Seen Him?” combining elements of 1980's pop, rock and country for a solid tune with commercial legs. Kelley shines on the Diane Warren-penned "Life's Like That", navigating the soaring chorus with essential grace. Kelley says goodnight with "Emily", obsessing over her man's ex-girlfriend and whether she might still be on his mind. The song is an awkward closer, at best. I suspect it was included to show a different side of Justyna Kelley, but in the end it may have been more of a disservice to Kelley than anything else.

Justyna Kelley has a gorgeous voice, and reflects a poise and comfort on this recording that suggests a highly professional performer. Over The Moon suggests that no matter how pretty her voice may be, Kelley's isn't a powerful sound. This limits the range of material available to her, certainly, but not all of the material on Over The Moon was well chosen for her voice. Kelley can certainly deliver solid Pop tunes with appeal, and working in the circles she's in she's nearly guaranteed at least a modicum of success. Over The Moon has some strong moments, but never truly soars.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Justyna Kelley at http://www.justynakelley.com/ or www.myspace.com/justynakelley. No full album is availble yet, but you can download individual tracks from Justyna Kelley on Amazon.com.

Review: Janyse - Dreamers/This Day Is Mine

Janyse - Dreamers/This Day Is Mine
2009, Magical Voice Productions

Canadian pop singer and voiceover artist Janyse lives a life of inspiration. Injuries from a car accident once had doctors telling her she might end up in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Hard work, perseverance and faith have kept her from that chair, but also driven her to become one of the top voiceover artists in the world. Janyse has voiced characters in projects such as Hulk Vs. Thor, Hulk Vs. Wolverine, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda, Batman: Black & White, My Little Pony, and Ed, Edd n Eddy. She is also an acclaimed Pop singer/songwriter in her native Canada. Taking cues from artists such as ABBA, Diane Warren, Peggy Lee and The Bee Gees, Janyse infuses light Pop dance beats with a positive outlook and a strong positive message. Her two most recent singles are prime examples.

Dreamers is feel good dance pop at its finest. The song encourages listeners to not give up on their dreams, irrespective of what life throws at you and of what other people might think. As dance music goes it's relatively light 1980's Dance/Pop; probably not a threat to the dance charts of today but a pleasant listen. This Day Is Mine keeps up the positive attitude with a proclamation about working hard toward your goals and celebrating each and every day for what it is. Again, light Dance/Pop with a 1980's bent. Janyse can pull this material off because she's lived it; it's hard to be this positive in the popular realm unless it's very clear you genuinely own the message, and that comes through in Janyse's delivery. Dreamers and This Day Is Mine are songs for folks who long for a sweeter age of Popular music.

Ratings:

Dreamers 3 Stars (Out of 5)
This Day Is Mine 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Janyse at http://www.janyse.com/, where you can purchase downloads of both Dreamers and This Day Is Mine. Dreamers is also available through iTunes.