First Glance Album Review by George Peden, Country Interviews Online:
New Jersey’s Barbara Harley has released her debut disc, First Glance, on the new Rinse The Dish Records label. For the singer who started her career as a grade school Paul McCartney clone, singing on a box top while playing a left-handed air guitar, she is primed to score. Her ten-tracks are radio-friendly, varied and spirited. The proof of abilities first rewarded by judges at the New Jersey Country Music Association’s Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year award – an award Harley won for three consecutive years (1999-2001). Along with her album co-writers, Al Lind and Kim Jakubicki, Harley recently enjoyed success as her debut single, "First Glance", grabbed notable Independent chart placement.
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"Writing my own songs has been a real boost to me," Barbara has said. "Not just the obvious reason of creating songs, but as an artist, too. Nothing beats playing and singing your own songs and having the audience love what you do!" And there is a lot to love on this album. Harley’s voice, described as easy listening, is a tuneful, rich, melodic confidence suffering no microphone shyness or fear of peeling back layers to reveal a depth of feeling. A tight band of seasoned players adds musical muscle to an array of well-crafted songs, rounding out an impressive effort.
"I call my music 'Easy Country'," Harley tells, "because it’s easy to listen to. The topics won’t bring you down. The lyrics are plain and easy to understand. The melodies are fun to sing along with, and the musical arrangements are rich. Add to that formula the stellar musicianship of Nashville’s top players, and you have something that is very easy on the ears." Bounding with a variety of rocky tracks, like the infectious "First Glance" and "Second To None" to mellow moments of reflection as heard on the semi-religious "One Man" to the lover’s pain of "Don’t Waste The Tears", this CD is a trophy of achievement and determination.
"I’d been saving gig money for several years," Harley tells in her biography, "just to be able to go the extra mile with this CD. I wanted it to be something really special with songs that feel good, and say who I am as an artist and songwriter." For this guitar-playing College of New Jersey music graduate, a highlighted performance comes on "I Adore You". With an honesty not wasted on the induced heart-flutters, Harley’s vocals carry the intended devotion to its intended destination. The song telegraphs its message of appreciation, much like the reality check offered on "The Bitter And The Sweet". The song is a journey to the acceptance of life’s hardships. Backed up by the best of Nashville’s session players, including Eddie Bayers and Danny Parks, Harley touches on grey moods, feelings and situations of shared understanding. She reflects on some bitter moments – a lost cat and the accompanying tears only an eight-year-old can cry, to a summer lover who left a ring but not his heart as he headed back to college. Grandma’s chorused advice, based on homespun logic, dries the tears. "The good will outweigh the any bad times you meet/ if you just learn to take the bitter with the sweet."
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A modern day agony aunt flaunts her Cyber prowess in "She’s Got Mail". The track will connect immediately with Internet chat room junkies. A heroine who receives e-mail from a losing-at-love husband carries the mid-paced shuffle along. "Lonely Heart" needs advice on how to win his wife back. Long story short – man follows the advice of worldly Cyber confidante, showers his wife with love, and everyone leaves the screen with a warm glow. Barbara Harley has made a fine album.
The songs here are first rate; there’s no fillers or long instrumental breaks to fit and pad. A courtesy nod also to the inspired songwriting that, with the provided lyrics, offers the chance to sing (read) over storylines that are modern and timely. Finally, there is Harley’s voice – emotive, vibrant, and free of the tricks and nuances that trip lesser talents. Harley has chosen a fitting title for her album. One listen, and it will be obvious. This lady has the capabilities of a singer with more than a one-album shelf life. A first glance will prove it. A listen will confirm it.
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Here is what top country DJ, Jeff Austin, from CAT COUNTRY 96.1 has to say about FIRST GLANCE:
"I'm promoting Barbara because I think that her music is great. Her music stands up with what I play on 96.1-FM, “Cat Country” out of Allentown, PA. What’s also great about “FIRST GLANCE” is the list of award-winning musicians that played on it. They are the same musicians playing on the hit songs I play every week on “Cat Country.” Finding local talent with this caliber of songwriting and singing is exciting for me. I’m a DJ, so music is what I’m all about.”
When asked to describe her music, Barbara said, "I call my music 'Easy Country,' because it's easy to listen to. The topics won't bring you down, the lyrics are plain and easy to understand, the melodies are fun to sing along with, and the musical arrangements are rich. Add to that formula the stellar musicianship of Nashville's top players, and you have something that is very easy on the ears."
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