KT’s new record is indeed drastically fantastic (it was too easy). Unlike her last record which clearly reflected her influences of folk, pop, rock, jazz, and blues this record is more focused and a mix of pop, electro blues and rock. This record is more balanced between the vocals and the music while the debut centered largely on her vocals and lyrics.
This record is once again produced by Steve Osborne (he handled production on KT’s debut record as well as acoustic extravaganza). There are plenty of moments when listening to this record where I catch myself nodding my head and saying Yeah! (hand clapping included). In fact, it’s the little touches like the stomping, hand claps and tambourine hitting that transforms creates the energy of the record.

Little favors- a great opening track and really sets the stage for the new record. KT really pushes herself musically to be bigger than ever- more guitars, more vocal layers and more vocally experimental.

If Only- I love how this song flows melodically in the first chorus. “Looking at the stars for the answers but all that you found was silence and dirty ground”. Ouch!

White Bird- This is the weakest song on the record. I find it too repetitive.

Funnyman- I love the guitar parts- almost flamenco like. When she enunciates the line “You said you feel like a bruise on a beautiful body” I swoon.

Hold On- this is one of those GREAT first singles that gets released. It has a great chorus, catchy percussion, fun, and engaging. Its in the same vein as “Suddenly I See” but magnify that by 5 times. The hand clapping is so addictive.

Hopeless- seems a little too polished and the tempo should be a little faster. I was at the show where she debuted the solo live version and it is drastically different from the recorded version. But, there is an edge.

I Don’t Want You Now- This is another one of my favorite tracks off of the record. There is some sort of vocal filter that is used and it makes her voice more raw and raspy. There are also great layered acoustic guitar parts. My favorite line in the song is “But you’d already advertised that I’d slashed the tires of your one man show”. At the end, you can hear a tambourine hit the floor- like they band just completely walked away (just like from the relationship).

Saving My Face- another pop rock number .

Beauty of Uncertainly- this is one of the solo numbers that I can see her play during her shows. Its intimate and quiet.

Someday Soon- For some reason, this reminds me of a Simon and Gartfunkel type song and sounds like a restless summer day.

Paper Airplane-
This is a nice closing track with a lot of flutes.

Basically, this album rocks as I’m sure the live versions of these track will.

Video for Hold On:

I Want You Back (Jackson 5 cover):

Listen to:

Hold On
Funnyman
I Don’t Want You Now
Saving My Face
Someday Soon
I Want You Back (Jackson 5 cover)