CD Review – Diane Birch
As you’ve been listening recently, you might have noticed a new artist in the rotation named Diane Birch, with her song, Nothing But A Miracle (you might have also caught a really great interview with Birch on Weekend Edition Sunday on WOSU last month). If you haven’t heard it yet, you’re missing out.
Bible Belt is Birch’s debut album, and it’s really worth every minute. Her voice is reminiscent of Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Laura Nyro, depending on what track you’re listening to. The album traipses across genres from soul to jazz to rock to pop and gospel.
The first track, Fire Escape, starts the album off with a soulful lost-love ballad that’s familiar but exceptional, highlighted by her haunting acapella vocals in the first 30 seconds.
One of my favorites from the album is Rewind, a pop/rock/jazzy lamentation that, again, holds a seemingly familiar, formulaic tune, but catches a bit of the eclectic and modern form as it goes. Her voice picks up extra depth with some gravelly qualities, too.
Her last song, Magic View, feels like a Norah Jones- or Alicia Keyes-type (or perhaps it’s a bit like Roberta Flack?) jazz piano and strings mix. Her voice and the lyrics are reflective and beautiful, with an R&B feel just on the edges.
Diane Birch and Bible Belt are definitely worth a listen, and, if you’re anything like me, addition to your playlist.
-Emma
