The Northern Records career of singer/songwriter Holly Nelson is off to an impressive start with her debut album Leaving the Yard. Aptly mixing a number of styles around her sultry, sometimes innocent, but never shy, vocals, Nelson shows glimpses of the potential to be a true musical star. Comparisons to Nelson are many: Amy Grant in the country phases of her career, Sarah McLachlan, even Shania Twain.
Produced by the well-traveled and the immensely talented Frank Lenz (Fold Zandura, Starflyer 59) and Andrew Prickett, Leaving the Yard in its finished form is a pop/rock affair that sparkles with freshness and vitality.
The high points on this album are many. Among the star tracks is the mysteriously apocalyptic "Hey Ranger," with its creepy B-3 wafting through mournful guitars, its slow, steady drumbeat, and lyrics telling of "Smelling danger in the air/Bolt the bar and meet me in the basement/The kids are already there." The lovely "Maybe Grace" is full of softly delicately crafted guitar hooks and Nelson's soft intonations. Nelson can go from one extreme to the other as evidenced on "Seatbelt," a feel-good, smiley-faced pop fest and the totally opposite "Masterpiece" which features a more vigorous, serious sound.
Nelson only falls short when she bravely attempts a cover of Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down." Her voice just doesn't fit a song that only works with Petty's craggy, beat-down vocals.
Leaving the Yard is a pleasing debut with lots of positives to point out. The sky's the limit with this very talented singer.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis March 2004Reviewed by Justin BrinkerI have a confession to make: I have never been a fan of female fronted bands or female singer/songwriters. Sure, there have been the occasional bands like Morella's Forest and The Cranberries that I have enjoyed throughout the years--but nothing has turned my head in quite a while. So, I was skeptical when I received 'Leaving The Yard', the latest release from Holly Nelson. My skepticism was laid…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Trae CadenheadThe latest addition to the Northern Records growing roster is Holly Nelson, a woman who was discovered at the Orange County Music Awards by Frank Lenz. She did some backup vocals for Northern bands before branching out on her own. To be sure, Holly Nelson has the vocal talent necessary for such a venture. The musical style of Leaving the Yard is all over the map, which is ultimately what holds…Similar sounding releases
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