Stephanie is NOT AFRAID
Posted June 07, 2008
By singersmartguy17,
After being pushed back many times, Stephanie's debut finally came out on May 27---but still, in digital-only format. I have been anxiously awaiting this album ever since last summer when Steph's first single "Superstar" impacted radio, and that excitement only increased in the late fall when "Not Afraid" released as a single as well. Then earlier this spring, "You Alone" and "Renew Me" started hitting airwaves too. With already 4 singles released before the album even came out, it's clear Stephanie had a lot of hype around her. And now, I can see why.
Taking evident influences from Krystal Meyers, Superchick, Everlife, etc., it's hard not to sound just like them, as recently in the case of miss Brooke Barrettsmith. But Stephanie uses those sources to bring out the best in her. Her voice has a naturally raw rock edge to it. At times, it sounds almost identical to Julia Ross (of Everlife), especially in the song "In My Eyes." And after just one album, Steph is right up there with her counterparts like Krystal Meyers. Stephanie is not afraid (no pun intended) to let loose and rock, like in "Not Afraid," "Beauty," "Waiting On You," "Get Up," and "Love Out Loud," but the album is not without its share of poppier tracks like "Superstar," "In My Eyes," "Over It," and "Renew Me," and also a few ballads pop up with "What If," "You Alone," and "1st Words." There's a little something for everyone on here.
Personal favorites are: the uber-catchy pop song "Renew Me"; the fist-pumping anthem "Love Out Loud"; the Everlife-ish "In My Eyes; and the ballads "What If" and "You Alone." The award for lyrics goes to "First Words," even though it's not the catchiest song on the album. This song recounts meeting her father for the first time at 14, and again at 19. View All Music And Book Reviews By singersmartguy17 | View singersmartguy17's Profile
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