Miriam Clancy – Lucky One
****
Miriam Clancy has been winning fans and critical praise as a regular on the live music scene in Auckland for some time and now, with the release of her debut album, she tenders her application to become NZ's favourite new singer-songwriter. Recorded mostly at York Street in 2005 and co-produced by Clancy and Steve Roberts. Lucky One is a document of Clancy hitting her stride as a songwriter and also showcases her extraordinary palette of emotion, and great range and tone, as a vocalist.
All the way from the stripped down soul of opening track (and first single) "Girl About Town" to the climactic finale of album closer "Fool I Am" Clancy takes the listener on a musical and emotional roller coaster ride through 11 gorgeous soul-baring country-tinged pop songs.
The depth of talent here is evident in the fact that Lucky One runs a full gamut of styles from the joyous Americana of "Transistor Radio" to the soulful 60s pop of the title track to the Jewel-esque balladry of "Dry Your Eyes". Many of these songs are guaranteed to replay themselves in your head for days after hearing them. Perennial live favourite "The Game" uses poker game imagery to paint a sad and moving picture of a relationship on the rocks and this song in itself shows a deft song writing touch at work.
I would recommend Lucky One to anyone who enjoys well-crafted, emotionally raw - yet accessible - songs delivered with passion and sensitivity.
SMH
