Two Aussie women with great voices for today, who have each made very nice, simple records this year. Let’s start with Depth of Field.
I love Sarah Blasko’s voice. I’ve loved it ever since I heard her cover a song I don’t particularly like, and now love…
Her new album, Depth of Field, is all new, all originals. It’s strong pop music, all sung with her tremendously versatile and emotional voice.
Now, I also love Kasey Chambers’ voice. In fact, I love everything about her. I have a total crush on her. Her lyrics are so powerful, and the passion in her voice overcomes its nasal twang. I’ve seen her live several times, and she loves to insult her own sound, but it’s a voice that’s strong with emotion, not range, and that’s just as good.
Kasey’s new album is the opposite of Blasko’s. Where Sarah’s music is highly produced, soaring and smooth, “Campfire” is, quite literally, a bunch of people with guitars singing songs for a campout.
You’ll want to dismiss it as simple, but it’s not. The lyrics continue to plunge into the depths of the soul, and Chambers’ charm continues to be inescapable.
Plus, she does a duet with Emmylou.
