Rating: 2 Pulses
Kristen Cothron’s first full-length and fully produced album Love Letters from a Fool shows promise of amazing things to come, they just aren’t here yet.
Cothron’s sultry, jazzy vocals are by far the best aspect of this album?think Fiona Apple meets Beth Gibbons. Unfortunately, her songwriting does not showcase or enhance the power of her voice. She has the potential to fully captivate listeners with the richness and intensity of her vocals, but her songs become mundane after about a minute into them. Although she does have a few very clever lyrics dabbled throughout the album, the songs are mediocre.
The most memorable song on the album from beginning to end would have to be the haunting “RSVP.” Its clever use of instrumentation, melody, and solid lyrics makes it stand out notches above the other songs on the album.
Although the album is classified as pop, she does cross into the blues genre successfully in “High on the Blues” and “Love is a Gamble.”
“Last Chance Girl” is definitely her most upbeat and catchiest song. Bouncy lyrics such as You’re my mystery man and I’m your last chance girl. Two lonely people in this fast-paced world will stick in your head, even if you aren’t sure that you want them there.
As far as production is concerned, the sound quality of the album mix varies a bit too much depending on where you are and what type of CD player you are listening to. For example, when I listened to the album on my cheap home stereo, there were several unfavorable bass tones on the first track. However, when listening in the car, the problem mostly cleared, but unfortunately this album isn’t one to listen to while driving around town. It’s definitely the type of album you’d want to listen to while relaxing at home, perhaps in a bubble bath. But with scary bass tones, eh, I don’t know, I think it would upset my Zen. Maybe I should just invest in a better stereo system.
Overall, Cothron has a very good first album. It’s full of good songs, good recording, good instrumentation, and great vocals, but there isn’t one song that I would classify as spectacular. I really couldn’t find a song that’s addicting, one that you don’t just want to hear, you need to hear.
However, she does have an outstanding voice, and she is capable of writing good lyrics, so here is to hoping for an addictive sophomore album!
