Likes: Undone, Free, Now That You’re Here
Overall: LOVE IT. If Amy Winehouse released a pop album, this is what it would sound like.
So I love this album. If you’re unfamiliar with Haley Reinhart or didn’t pay her much attention during season 10 of “American Idol,” you might want to check her out now. Her debut “Listen Up!” is the perfect blend of contemporary music (minus techno, refreshingly) and a little bit of 60’s soul. Fun and a chunk funky with well-composed lyrics, this is one of the first 2012 albums that I thoroughly enjoyed. Vocally, Reinhart has a distinctive, unique tone, but her voice is debatably thin with a limited range. However, the vocals are solid enough to where it’s not a distracting shortcoming. As co-writer on all but 2 songs, 21-year-old Reinhart presents an even lyrical balance between a mature (ex. “Liar”) and innocent (ex. “Let’s Run Away”) feel. I was really impressed with some of the lyrical content; it’s a tinge grittier than expected and takes an approach to relationships that’s not typically heard (ex. “Free”). Hayley wants us to “Listen Up”? She’s got my attention.