Review: Molly Jenson - Maybe Tomorrow

Molly Jenson - Maybe Tomorrow
2009, Bully! Pulpit Records

Molly Jenson came to our attention because of her duet with Sherwood's Nate Henry on that band's Worn (from their debut album, Qu, which we reviewed here.) We were so intrigued by her voice we wrote Jenson and asked her to submit an album for review. We're apparently not the only ones impressed, as Jenson continues to wrack up the accolades. The 2007 “Best Acoustic Act” from the San Diego Music Awards was named by Teen Vogue one of the three best new artists on MySpace that same year. In 2008, Jenson’s song Give It Time was selected to be part of the Freshman Survival Kit, given to incoming college freshmen around the country. She also had songs selected from the soundtracks of NBC’s Knight Rider and the CW’s Privileged. Jenson kept the momentum rolling into 2009 with the release of her debut album, Maybe Tomorrow. With a growing fan base on three continents (North America, Europe and Asia), the sky’s the limit for Jenson.

Jenson has a voice that falls somewhere between Sarah Harmer and Chantal Kreviazuk; a pleasant sound with enough texture to make you sit up and listen more closely. She opens Maybe Tomorrow with Give It Time, a song of wisdom in a gentle but catchy pop arrangement. This is a great lead track and definitely has legs as a single. Beginning Here is a melancholy tune with a pleasant melody. Jenson's voice slides across the vocal line with an ease that's breathtaking. The texture and beauty of her voice are perfect for the song. Maybe Tomorrow finds Jenson in a magical moment full of hope, longing and vulnerability. All shine through in a solid pop song that's more powerful and subtle than you might think at first blush. Jenson hits a bit of Mix-Tape magic on Thinking Of You; a catchy, bouncy love song with an unforgettable chorus. The vocal harmony work here is a real treat; with the right breaks, Thinking Of You could be a major pop hit.

Jenson goes for a fingerpick waltz on And You Were, a love song that works without sounding mushy or cliché. It's a song about the perfect day with the perfect someone. We get a change of pace on The Edgy 8 Ball Song; big crunchy guitars and a Suzanne Vega style narrative about a run-in with an ex are the order of the day. It's a decent song, but definitely divergent from the album style to this point. Alongside You is another potential single; A song about the feeling that accompanies love where you feel like you can do anything as long as the appropriate person is by your side. Alongside You (Part 2) is a melancholy and turbulent epilogue complete with full orchestration. It's a pretty and intriguing contrast to the original song.

I'm Sorry For Me is a musical mea culpa of sorts; it almost sounds like unrequited love from the view of the one who can't return the feelings. The song is beautifully written and intelligent; full of disappointment and regret. Jenson is joined by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot in a great duet on Do You Only Love The Ones That Look Like You. The song wants to be a country tune; here it's presented in a mild Americana arrangement. Either way it's a great tune. Thank You My Friend is a Jazz/Pop hybrid in the style of Norah Jones. The dynamics here are great, and there's real licensing potential for this song. Jenson closes out in a flash of musical brilliance on Wait For You Here. The ultimate act of love can be patience, particularly in a relationship where one person needs time. This song displays patience without judgment, or foolishness, depending on your perspective. It's a nuanced, mature and beautiful piece of songwriting, whatever you think of the motives.

We requested Jenson submit her CD because of her voice; such things are always hit or miss. Luckily for us, Jenson turns out to be a first-class songwriter as well. Maybe Tomorrow is a brilliant debut, full of texture, nuance and honesty. The arrangements are well-done and each a perfect fit to the lyrics they are married to. Jenson herself is charming, with a voice you could listen to all day. Make sure you spend some time with Molly Jenson and Maybe Tomorrow. You'll be glad you did.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Molly Jenson at http://www.mollyjenson.com/ or www.myspace.com/mollyjenson. You can order Maybe Tomorrow from Amazon.com as either a CD or download. Downloads are also available from iTunes.

Review: Mitch Barrington - Life In Colour EP

Mitch Barrington - Life In Colour
2008, Mitch Barrington

Mitch Barrington is an 18 year old singer/songwriter from Queensland, Australia who has been working much of his life to become a musician. Stepping into a studio for the first time at the age of 17 he cut tracks for what would ultimately become his debut EP, Life In Colour. In March of 2009, Barrington won the Battle Of The Bands on Sea FM, one of the highest rated radio stations in Australia, and continues to gain fans both through shows, sporadic airplay and word of mouth down under. If Life In Colour is any indication, Barrington is going to be making music for a long time, and on more continents than just his own.

Life In Colour opens with No Matter What, a mellow, mid-tempo Pop/Rock tune with more sway than Rock to it. There is a sneakily addictive air to this song, with it's melody that's bound to get caught up between your ears. The declaration of the song is bound to score some points with the romantically inclined; don't be surprised if Barrington finds this song licensed for prime-time television. Trying To Fly reminds me a bit of Jason Mraz, although Barrington has a deeper vocal sound. This is a very catchy tune in spite of the slower tempo; a potential hit. Paradise has a fuller sound, aided by percussion and bass in addition to Barrington's acoustic guitar. The resemblance to Jason Mraz is more notable, but this is a song that doesn't need artist comparisons to sell itself. Paradise is a great bit of Pop/Rock songwriting. Barrington closes out with Tomorrow in a ready-for-radio Pop/Alt-Rock arrangement.

Mitch Barrington is a plus singer with songs made up of strong lyrics and intricate instrumentation (even when it's just acoustic guitar). Life In Colour is an exciting introduction to Mitch Barrington; one that leaves us looking forward to what comes next.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Mitch Barrington at www.myspace.com/mitchbarrington, where you can purchase a copy of Life In Colour directly from the artist.