This sophomore album may suffer slightly in comparison with Richey's stunning, self-titled 1995 debut, but there wasn't much else out there in 1997 that it didn't eclipse. Richey is a stellar songwriter (with several hits... more » by others to her credit) whose own records straddle the rock/country divide, placing her squarely in commercial limbo. But it's our loss that there isn't a niche for songs like the gorgeous "Every River," the insanely catchy "I Know," the subtly '60s-ish "Lonesome Side of Town," and the devastating "My Whole World." Richey's voice is not Nashville's most distinctive, but it communicates a full range of emotions, and she abets it skillfully by double-tracking her own harmonies. The playing, writing, and fascinatingly varied stylistic touches here are a joy to hear; Richey's career merits your undivided attention. --Ken Barnes« less
This sophomore album may suffer slightly in comparison with Richey's stunning, self-titled 1995 debut, but there wasn't much else out there in 1997 that it didn't eclipse. Richey is a stellar songwriter (with several hits by others to her credit) whose own records straddle the rock/country divide, placing her squarely in commercial limbo. But it's our loss that there isn't a niche for songs like the gorgeous "Every River," the insanely catchy "I Know," the subtly '60s-ish "Lonesome Side of Town," and the devastating "My Whole World." Richey's voice is not Nashville's most distinctive, but it communicates a full range of emotions, and she abets it skillfully by double-tracking her own harmonies. The playing, writing, and fascinatingly varied stylistic touches here are a joy to hear; Richey's career merits your undivided attention. --Ken Barnes
Aileen R. (aileen) from N HOLLYWOOD, CA Reviewed on 8/15/2008...
This sophomore album may suffer slightly in comparison with Richey's stunning, self-titled 1995 debut, but there wasn't much else out there in 1997 that it didn't eclipse. Richey is a stellar songwriter (with several hits by others to her credit) whose own records straddle the rock/country divide, placing her squarely in commercial limbo. But it's our loss that there isn't a niche for songs like the gorgeous "Every River," the insanely catchy "I Know," the subtly '60s-ish "Lonesome Side of Town," and the devastating "My Whole World." Richey's voice is not Nashville's most distinctive, but it communicates a full range of emotions, and she abets it skillfully by double-tracking her own harmonies. The playing, writing, and fascinatingly varied stylistic touches here are a joy to hear; Richey's career merits your undivided attention. --Ken Barnes (Amazon.com)
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CD Reviews
In search of a genre
Bryan Dodd | Decatur, GA USA | 04/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are those artists who defy labels. Kim Richey rests comfortably among them. A friend loaned me this CD and with the thought "let it grow on you." And it did! Some compare her music to an early Eagles / California rock to country. That's a fair description. I think what got me was the combination of her well written lyrics and the talent of her surrounding musicians. Each time I hear it, I pick up on things I didn't hear before. And to be honest, I kind when friends come over and ask "Who's that?" I think word of mouth, as shown with the other reviews here speak volumes about Richey's talent."
Just buy it
Andy Higgins | Frederick, MD | 04/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love singer-songwriters...John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, James Taylor, Karla Bonoff...and now, Kim Richey. I can't believe that I hadn't heard of her before now, but saw her recently on Sessions at West 54th with John Hiatt, and immediately had to check her out. Great vocals, fine production, teriffic harmonies, excellent lyrics. I'll blindly buy whatever has her name associated with it."
I'm lucky to have heard of this wonderful artist!!
Robert R Fritz | San Diego, CA USA | 10/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My wife and I read a bio of this super-talented singer songwriter in Stereophile magazine, and bought the CD on a lark 2 years ago. Suffice to say, if this were a vinyl record, we would have worn it out by now! And, we now own the other 2 Kim Richey titles as well. Every track is a winner on this disc, with Kim and band offering soaring vocals, lyrics and playing that are intelligent, creative and moving. If you are a country-rock fan, and appreciate fabulous music making over commercially attuned hit making, this is a no-brainer----buy this disc now!!"
Never leaves the CD changer!
Robert R Fritz | 06/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This has been in the CD changer in the convertible ever since I purchased it. When I sold the car and got a new one Bitter Sweet went right in the new convertible's changer. I had heard a couple of the tunes on a progressive radio station and took a chance on the CD. While I do repeat some of my favorites, there is not a song on here that I skip. They are all good. This is my favorite Kim Richey CD and the place I would start listening to her work. Glimmer would probably be the 2nd CD to get.Listen to the samples here - then buy this CD!"
Worthy Follow-Up
Chris S. | atlanta, ga United States | 07/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Kim Richey has always been a hard one to categorize(as if she really needed to be), but unfortunately in a day when commercial success seems to be fueled by what radio format your music can be programmed into, Richey's always been left off the boat. Far too sophisticated and clever for the typically narrow-minded world of Nashville, and maybe too jangly/guitar pop for mainstream radio, she's nevertheless managed to stay the course and put out several first-rate discs, with this one falling somewhere between the slickly-produced but exquisite debut and her even more polished pop-powered third set. Richey's songs here are definately given tons of room to breathe here, with the production using more typically country arrangements and instrumentation(mandolins, banjos)than previously heard in her music. She pulls it off beautifully, particularly on the set's opening six tracks, after which she takes a detour into Mavericks-style country-rock('To Tell The Truth', 'My Whole World'), then slowing down the tempo a bit at the end. And while it fails to live up to the consistently clever hooks of her debut, the best songs here('I'm Alright','Every River','Fallin')are as good as anything on that set. All in all, a more than worthy follow-up to an unbelievably good debut.
it"