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CD REVIEW: Katie Carroll - Paper Girl
By Cyrus Rhodes - 08/17/2011 - 12:17 AM EDT

Artist: Katie Carroll
Album: Paper Girl
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.katiecarroll.com
Genre: Acoustic folk/pop
Sounds Like: Jewel, Mazzy Star, Nora Jones
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Paper Girl, Once More Chance, So in Love with You
Weakness: Slightly Winded Songs
CD Review:

Texas based singer/songwriter Katie Carroll releases her latest CD entitled Paper Girl in 2011.

The CD gently takes off with the title track - a soothing intro piece that serves up well-crafted musical melody against steady rock rhythm, impressive slide guitar & piano accents making for a great first impression. Track 2 “Leech” shifts gears a bit with it’s striking lyrical content against smooth flowing rhythm against hooky rhythm guitar riffs that flows & Ebbs it's way through to emotional fruition. Just when you think you got this CD figured out along comes Track 3: “One More Chance” This piece shows us even more musical diversity with its solid low end groove against a catchy pop rock musical mosaic. This piece is infectious & strikes an impressive balance between pop, rock, country & just a touch of soul. As the EP slowly unfolds I can hear many musical textures reminiscent of classic vocal acts as classic Jewel, Mazzy Star, Dixie Chicks & even Nora Jones. The music itself combines classic elements of bluesy-rock with an aftertaste of R&B, country & even soul. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. I especially like all the low end rock grooves presented on each song. You will also notice lush layers musical instrumentation layered everywhere from well-placed keyboard accents, Hammond Organ, harmonies, piano, slide guitar, solid low end beats, impressive slide & solo guitar licks & even harp, mandolin & eloquent string movements. The CD has some truly impressive moments showcasing impressive songwriting, world class instrumentation via a powerful & emotional delivery from Carroll. Zeroing in now on Carroll her voice goes down smooth. She makes the vital (singer to listener) emotional connection with her vocals each & every time. From melodic “Who are You” & Raining Today” to grooving “I Want You” to rocking “Relying” & “So In Love with You” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Star Girl” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.

It’s had to find any real noticeable weaknesses with this CD. All song over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line.

From start to finish Paper Girl by Katie Carroll is an impressive snapshot of music. It's an impressive collection of songs that's easy to groove to, highly original, passionate, uplifting, & extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really a weak piece on this entire CD. All pieces are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing its own signature groove, musical personality to call its own. The writing & playing abilities of this band are rock solid, & the melodies & harmonies are well crafted, the catalogue is highly diversified - a clear reflection of the artist. Last but not least the vocal presence of Carroll just makes the whole thing work really, really well. She's an infectious artists who knows how to fill the musical space with her amazing voice, impressive songwritting & eloquent musical personality. 




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