An established songwriter who has already worked with the likes of Gloria Gaynor as well as recording with the likes of Glen Campbell and Kris Kristofferson (who features on track 7 of this album – ‘Penelope’), Katie Cole toured her native Australia extensively before moving to the US and working between LA and Nashville.
It’s in the latter of these places that you’ll find the biggest clue to her sound, a country sound that seems typical of the musical hotbed. Steeped in the traditions of the genre (but with a pop twist), this is an album that is full of comfortable, well worn country structures which leave plenty of room for some very good songwriting.
Working firmly on the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ model, this album will be immediately recogniseable for fans of the genre. That being said, it doesn’t make it a dull listen. All original work of her own, there are tales of new love and heartbreak as well as the usual character driven country ditties – all brought up to date with the pop stylings and excellent production values of the 21st century.
The obvious (and typical) example can be taken from single ‘(We Started a) Fire’ – released this week – which ties together those country and pop sensibilities superbly:
