It may be that some won’t understand the need to express emotions based on sweetness and the urge to feel good. This is what first strikes the listener with Kendall Payne. With tunes billed as lyrical and folk music, she brings “Daddy” (Paper Skin 2007) a love ballad with some nice keyboard work. But the love is, obviously, for the older man in her life.
Payne cites as influences – Sarah McLachlan, Billy Joel, Rich Mullins, Counting Crows and U2. With that list as her inspiration, she should be just fine. Three of those on the list are favourites of this reviewer, in fact. This singer makes no bones about being part of chick rock and about the fact that she records on Kendall Payne Works, Inc.
“Burning Embers” from the same collection is really a fairly decent folk ballad that examines the relationship between the singer and that special person who makes us all feel just right, if we are fortunate enough. It’s simple, but that’s OK. Some performers know we need simplicity on occasion. The drums are interesting in this tune.
Payne’s experience as a professional extends back about 10 years now. She signed with Capitol Records before the turn of this new century. Switching her musical focus to piano a couple of years ago might be the move that brings her some new, avid fans.
Kendall Payne on MySpace
[tags]Kendall Payne[/tags]
Oh, this one I absolutely love. Not only does she have a nice, natural beauty about her, but she sings really wonderfully! Any artist who lists Billy Joel AND Sarah McLachlan as musical influences is fine by me!
Although I liked “Lines” a great deal, Kendall won me over with “I Will Show You Love.” It appeals to my more sentimental tastes.
Great voice, great lyrics, and great keyboard work…not too bad. I really can’t pinpoint one exact song that I prefer over any other though, as they are all pretty great. I agree with it being a little bit too “sweet and feel good”, but I don’t think Kendall will be an artist I will listen to on a daily basis. But when the mood fits, this is the perfect music.
Have to agree that the keyboard work is nice. But not real sure about the tenderness. Definitely strikes me as folk music, which is not my first choice. I do think the songs are well written and fit her voice very well. Not sure which song has the best appeal for me, but think that the article written was very interesting. Especially the part about the need to express emotions based on sweetness.
Her voice works so well with the lyrics. I was impressed with the keyboard work as well. When I listened to her I could hear her inspirations coming out of her when she sang.
I really liked ‘Lines.’ I can’t explain why, but there was something about it that struck me as being right.
I can see me being in a Kendall Payne mood soon and having t listen to ‘Lines’ again.
I think any one who is in love should gift this album to their other partner as this album really is good and makes a good a good romantic present for the other partner.
Hmm, I never thought about that way Ceprateek. This album, if you are thinking gift wise to a loved one, would definitely be better than giving out Michael Bolton’s Greatest Hits or even worse some boy band love album
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I’m not so sure why lots of music fans tend to not like sweet and feel-good music all that much these days. Is it that we (as a society) have become too cynical and world-weary, or are we less romantic than we used to be?
I do agree with you, Leighdu, that listening to Kendall is an artist that should be heard on a daily basis…I’m not sure ANY artist of any genre can be listened to every day before the audience gets bored….
I haven’t noticed that lots of music fans don’t like the sugary sweet music. Mariah is at the top of the charts again (though I just don’t see why) and some of songs are as sickly sweet as they come. Personally for me though, if I am having a bad day and stressed, the last thing I want to hear is someone singing about beautiful skies and love. Yet, the next day my mood may change and this type of music would be fitting.
Agree with you there about not wanting to listen to sweet love songs after a bad day; I tend to not to listen to any pop styles when I’m having a bad day myself…prefer to listen to classical music, preferrably with dark undertones that match my mood.
Oh, and regarding gift options…I think anyone who gives out Michael Bolton’s Greatest Hits as a present is clearly a sadist. That guy used to be notorious for over-emoting in his songs and having a long blond mane that looked for all the world like a golden mop head. Ugh.
After a gap I have come across nice pleasant voice.The numbers are too soothing and lovable.You are taken for a romantic ride with numbers like”Lines”.Gifting the album to a loved one is lovely idea.I fell madly in love with my partner,when he presented me Love song by C Richards, they are till date the best romantic songs.
as the article says it all, Good music and artist too, love the way she sings a love song. very sweet and romantic, best for a night with your love one. Got to add in my playlist to play over when I want to feel hearing love musics.
@fardreamer
I lol’ed about the Micheal Bolton’s Greatest Hits thing.