Every now and then I get a CD that makes me pull over while driving, and just pay attention to what I'm listening to. Shelli Stevens has the honor of being the first artist of 2010 to affect me in that way. Why? Because this CD meticulously addresses
every aspect of a superb musical project.
Sheli's performance throughout this project is
consistently sensational, and beautifully complemented by producer Eric Dick, who musically, lyrically, and technically address all of the essential details without compromise; easily making it my leading contender for the 2010
Muse's Muse Award Best Project.
Shelli's most commercial track, "
Still The One," is based upon a familiar premise that country fans may remember with Shania Twain's number one hit, but this song frames the concept of reminding someone that they are "still the one" for you with more
profoundness. It's much more than a cute, sing-a-long melody; it has the potential to be a relationship-saver for the neglected.
For every technical detail that Eric attends to on this project, Shelli addresses emotionally and vocally. Her ability to conjure up feelings with
sincerity are the scrumptious icing on a well-baked cake which is accented by plush harmonies, and pristine vocal arrangements, as best exemplified on the radio-ready, "
Come Home."
Other stand-out tracks on this project include the folky, but catchy, "
Since I Let You Go," which is more of a "ditty" that boasts, "
It may be hard to swallow...but your absence put's a smile upon my face..." Ouch. Radio loves songs like this. "
Too Late," picks up where
Since I Let You Go leaves off with less levity. "
Undone" has Pop/cross-over sensibilities, as does the piano based, "
Lucky Man." The latter would be a great musical backdrop for a scene in a movie.
Adult music lovers rejoice! This project could allow Sheli and Eric to
Come Home to a Grammy.
Artist: Sheli Stevens
