Once again, it's time to examine a few new singles, and think about what they might hold for our musical futures. We've got a real grab-bag of stuff this time, so let's get to it.
Kim Jennett - Unbroken
With an album coming sometime this year, hopefully, her third single continues to showcase Kim's potential as a future rock powerhouse of a vocalist. "Love Like Suicide" was her coming out party, and this ballad is the statement that puts all the focus on her voice. And what a voice it is. Kim has the power and tone to compete with Ann Wilson at her very best, and the song is a lovely ode that gives her just enough melody to put that voice to good use. I'm very much looking forward to getting the full-length experience, because Kim is a real talent.
Taylor Swift & Brenden Urie - Me!
The first thought that popped into my head when I heard this was, "how is the guy from Panic! At The Disco a big enough name to duet with Taylor Swift"? Several listens later, that's still bothering me. If this song is signaling the next phase of Taylor's career, it will certainly be interesting. "Reputation" was a black latex mask, whereas this song is like standing in front of the display of Easter Peeps. It's bright, vibrant, and basically a Disney song without the plot devices. I fear an entire album of this kind of song would be a sugar bomb, and make me feel a bit sick.
Doll Skin - Mark My Words
These ladies do something interesting with this song, taking a hooky hard rock song and infusing it with a dose of 'riot girl' attitude. If Sleater-Kinney had more hard rock influences, they would probably sound like this song. It bristles with energy, wonderfully builds the guitar parts up before breaking them down, and centers on a pounding chorus that becomes as permanent as the ink the lyrics talk about. This is their best song yet, and a promising indication that the album could be a highlight.
Neal Morse - There's a Highway
Coming next month is Neal's double-disc rock opera about the life of Jesus. That was always going to be tough to swallow, even for this fan, and the two songs thus far released aren't making it any easier. Like the first track, this is a simple number that is among the most bland Neal has ever recorded. The melodies are weak, and the subject matter isn't going to rescue it for me. I've heard enough samples of the record to be left wondering how a passion project such as this, inspired by the biggest force in Neal's life, could wind up sounding so small and tired.
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