The world of pop music is filled with voices that are difficult to distinguish from each other easily. Usually, when a pop album drops it comes forward with so much predictability and sweet production it can give you a toothache. An unlikely place for a unique, quality pop record to turn up would be in the heart of Oklahoma. Amongst all the new pop artists to arrive on the scene, young Cady Groves has not only flown under the radar and swooped in with a phenomenal pop record, she has added her own signature style, swagger, charm and twang to make it more than just pop. Within the tracks of The Life of a Pirate, the debut full length recording from Groves, you hear a spectrum of inspiration from Clarkson to Paramore making this a release easy to listen to and repeat effortlessly.
The first track, “One in the same” exhibits Cady’s talent for soaring vocals and their ability to dance wonderfully on strong acoustic strumming. This song starts the record with good pop energy. It is sharp and dramatic, but demonstrates its quality as a believable, warm flowing song with a lot of heart. “Or Else” is a memorable and tight joint with an excellent twang and hooky chorus. This tune has a nice blend of piano, guitar and drumming shuffle that makes its girlish tone addictive and infectious. With similar spirit, “Fly” follows the same recipe as its predecessor, but delivers a beautiful hook and memorable vocal with nice simplicity and crisp acoustic sound. The tasteful arrangement carries the vocals along brilliantly. This tune is filled with lots of sonic gems placed so carefully it radiates beyond its simplicity. A tasteful hint of piano helps tie the spaces together with very subtle confidence. The charm of this song pulled Ms. Groves into my heart forever making this one of my favorites for the year.
“Real with me” showcases the big voice of Groves, but actually takes over the arrangement at times where the big notes seem to scream uncomfortably. Overall, the vocals are executed nicely and really never overdone and deliver her message creatively. Another hooky arrangement comes from the next track, “I’m still here”. Her definite powerful delivery is reminiscent of East Coast folk veteran Lori McKenna where the voice grabs hold with every inflection. Cady wields the uncanny ability to command her songs from the first note and hold the ear of the listener without tricks or over indulgent style. The jangly radio-ready “Changing Me” has got hit tune written all over its deliver. A very good arrangement and production takes this song beyond its potential sappy surface and makes it a tight, commercial piece of music. “One world” follows the leader again as its sound and style is consistent with the two tunes before. Mood, arrangement, and poppy twang are the owners of this song.
The concluding tune, and title track “The Life of a Pirate” is dreamy, sweet and bouncy, but is also simple and childish making it, at first listen, something hard to take seriously. Even though it pours on the syrup heavily, the quality of Cady’s voice and its overall pop quality make it hard to hate. When this girl sings you can’t help but wonder what kind of an artist will grow out of her gifted voice and style. With an active schedule for the next few months it may be worth every penny to see her perform these songs live. Pop acts that tear up the airwaves every day have nothing on this Oklahoma girl. Her honest charm and subtle twang will make this a summer to remember. Unsigned and incredible.
"The Life of a Pirate" is on sale March 23, 2010 from Self-Released.
