Richey finds her inspiration in the Southern-California country-rock of Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, and the folk-rock of Tom Petty and the Byrds. The album is full of Beatles-esque touches, such as the string quartet on... more » "Can't Find the Words," the odd McCartney-esque intervals on "Let the Sun Fall Down," or the open tuning and uptempo, three-part vocal harmonies on "Good." If Nashville labels can keep releasing country tributes to the Beatles, surely there's room in town for a woman who can come up with new Beatles-esque songs. And inasmuch as Richey is exploring the strain of the Beatles' music that comes straight out of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, surely there's a country audience for her. --Geoffrey Himes« less
Richey finds her inspiration in the Southern-California country-rock of Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, and the folk-rock of Tom Petty and the Byrds. The album is full of Beatles-esque touches, such as the string quartet on "Can't Find the Words," the odd McCartney-esque intervals on "Let the Sun Fall Down," or the open tuning and uptempo, three-part vocal harmonies on "Good." If Nashville labels can keep releasing country tributes to the Beatles, surely there's room in town for a woman who can come up with new Beatles-esque songs. And inasmuch as Richey is exploring the strain of the Beatles' music that comes straight out of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, surely there's a country audience for her. --Geoffrey Himes
"I first heard Kim Richey sing on Austin City Limits back in the mid-90s. I was channel-surfing and caught a bit of her voice that stopped my clicker in its tracks. Her talents (and those of her band) were so amazing that I sat and watched the entire show - and luckily caught the Indigo Girls, too. Richey has the most beautiful, moving voice, with a range of depth and character that compels you sit down and listen to her lyrics. She has a way with writing songs - a way that tells stories we can all relate to - that feels a bit like Joni Mitchell.If you've never heard Kim Richey and you're an eclectic music fan, buy this album. You won't regret it."
The Little Album That Could
"Tee" | LA | 10/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album came out in 1995 with only a modest bit of publicity. It spent all of one week on BILLBOARD's country album chart in number 74 position. Yet here it is ten years later and the album is still in print (unlike many top ten ones from the same year!) and selling quite well judging by Amazon's count. The reason is clear - Kim Richey is a wonderful singer and an extraordinary songwriter. This is her most conventionally "country" work although it pushes the envelope with it's innovative arrangements and vocal stylings.
The songs are so good - the haunting, rocking "Those Words We Said" - the whimsical "Just My Luck" - the delightful "Here I Go Again" - the sassy "Good". Many of these songs were later covered by more mainstream country singers who had moderate hits on them but these singers simply could not do the songs justice. I think if the label had put a little more push behind Kim she would have been another Mary Chapin-Carpenter with a string of major hits and awards. All of the songs are winners. I've played my cassette of this tape for 10 years now on a regular basis. Kim's no so country anymore, still producing good music though. It's definately country music's loss."
First-Rate Debut
Chris S. | atlanta, ga United States | 07/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kim Richey's critically praised but commercially overlooked debut disc begs one question throughout it's length--why the hell
isn't this woman a star? Though highly regarded as a songwriter for others in Nashville, she managed to save some of her finest for this album, with not a bad cut among the thirteen tracks. She also remains one of music's most clever writers--lines like 'love is wearing at the seams'('That's Exactly What I Mean') and '..still hear the echoes of those bitter words we said, and I could drive a million miles and never drive them from my head'('Those Words We Said')not only distinguish her lyrically, but never fall into a trap of cliched phrasings. Highlights include both of the previously mentioned, as well as 'Just Like The Moon','Just My Luck', and 'From Where I Stand'. Highly recommended listening."
Kim Richie
Larry Rouse | lorenzo | 12/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've ever been stranded on a long drive down highway 99 in California and rescued by an angel in disguise then you will know what I'm talking about when I say Kim Richie is the quentissential glaze on that hot road to LA. I've seen her play live and have cherished her "country rock soul blues" for many years and recommend you give a listen. My only hope is that Kim will not stop recording. There are so many more songs I can imagine from her. L."
Talented Songwriter & Singer
J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 12/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kim Richey isn't well known per se for her music, but rather her songwriting talents. Most of her songs, or a large portion, have been redone by other country singers. She is often used as a harmony singer, backing tracks for the likes of Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, and more. This is her 1995 debut, and its good start to finish. It is her most country offering, with each release she has seemingly moved towards a more pop/country polished sound, however not taking away from the beauty of the music. The album opens with the bittersweet song "Those Words We Said", later redone by Trisha Yearwood for her 1995 THINKIN ABOUT YOU album. "Here I Go Again" is an amusing breakup song, with lightheartedness. It was also redone by Lorrie Morgan for her 1999 MY HEART album. Probably my favorite cut is the ballad "You'll Never Know", just so real and vivid. A powerful song indeed, which was later redone by Mindy McCready and a successful single from her 1997 IF I DONT STAY THE NIGHT album. "That's Exactly What I Mean" is a catchy midtempo song with attitude, one of my favorites as well, later redone by Patty Loveless on her 1997 LONG STRETCH OF LONESOME album. Kim Richey either wrote or co-wrote all 13 songs on this album, showing her talent. Other highlights include "Just Like The Moon", "Let The Sun Fall", "Echoes of Love" and "That's A Lie". Overall if you've enjoyed other artists interpretations of her recordings, and her songwriting, you will love her debut album!"