It has been a long time since we heard new material from Kylie, but this month she is releasing three new songs in her home country, just in time to be inducted into the Gold Guitar Awards Hands of Fame next year. Twice a winner of the Gold Guitar Awards, three-time winner of the Tui Country Music Album of the Year she has also a past winner of Song of the Year and the Rising Star Award. She has been kept active since moving to Nashville 20 years ago, and her own recording has taken a back seat, but we can only hope that these new songs are the precursor to a new full-length CD, as this oozes quality and class.
This is music which can only be created by people who have really lived, and here we have the story of how Mrs. Wrong married Mr. Right. The rhythm section is laid back, providing a shuffle groove, the Hammond B3 provides a sumptuous backdrop, while an electric guitar is gently picked. Then at the front we have Kylie providing rich bluesy vocals, almost vying with another electric for centre stage as it is right up there in the mix. This is laid back country with elements of gospel and a whole load of blues which could have been recorded any time in the last 60 years, with only the production quality giving it away. This feels like a band in the studio all looking at each other, getting into the heart of this song, and then bringing it to life. There is a deep passion, a vitality, with a woman baring her soul and a band ensuring the tale gets the respect it deserves. Superb.
Rating: 8/10
