The 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 the album back. With influences ranging from rock to country to pop, the songs on the album have a difficult time of finding their own musical voice. The album's best moments are arguably the pop-inspired segments. "Spring Cleaning" and "Hey Ranger" easily remind the listener of Plumb, yet they prove to be the album's best songs. Holly Nelson definitely has a talented band backing her with Andrew Prickett (The Prayer Chain, The Violet Burning) on guitar, Elijah Thompson (The Lassie Foundation on bass), Richard Swift (Starflyer 59) on keys, and Frank Lenz (Starflyer 59) on drums.
The album's lyrics are fairly well penned. The final track of the CD, "Unpacking" provides an appropriate conclusion: "One day my baby and I will unpack and go for a ride / Leave the sun and the moon and the stars all behind and head for the open sky."
Holly Nelson does have potential to create some excellent songs, but first she needs to settle into a sound she can call her own. Until then, her music is adequate, but nothing more than that.
3 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 Noel LloydThe 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…Similar sounding releases
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