Imagine the brilliant poetry of folk crossed with hard-hitting bluesy rock, add a shot of attitude that’s entirely unique, and you can begin to grasp the sound of Ashley Cleveland’s Second Skin. Emphasis on drums and bass and a predominant lead guitar give the album a spontaneous and rocking tone, but it’s Ashley’s voice that cuts through and carries every track. Earthy and soaring, gritty and soulful all at once, her vocals drive each song with intentional power.
But if the impressive guitar work and her compelling voice distract you from giving the lyrics the attention they deserve, go back and listen again. Cleveland tosses out sweaty, tangible images to describe depths of spirituality like juxtaposing such opposites is her second nature. Her effortless command of both songwriting and performing doesn’t come through with quite the force of her 1998 Grammy-winning live album You Are There, but it’s a close second.
File under:
Pop/Rock
Sounds like:
Melissa Etheridge, Jennifer Knapp
grade: A-