When I last reviewed something by Ashley Arrison it was her E.P. ‘Talking Circles’, a beautiful collection of tracks. This time I’ve bought the debut single off her forthcoming full-length album ‘Hearts on Parade’ and to say that it showcases a real growth in Arrison’s sound would be an understatement.
Co-written by Arrison, Aben Eubanks and Kelly Clarkson, ‘Trying To Help You Out’ instantly feels more polished with higher production values than Arrison’s previous works. It boasts lyrics leaning toward the country-narrative style, accompanied by music in the pop/rock vein. One wonders if Sarah McLachlan decided to go more alt-pop/americana is this what she’d sound like?
Below is the beautiful, just-released music video. Make sure and give it a view.
The lynch-pin of the track of course is Arrison’s vocal. At once clear and emotive it takes the listener on a journey, never becoming self-indulgent, never falling short, and somehow describing the sentiment of the lyrics perfectly. Singers who portray a truth and honesty in today’s music market are few and far between (on backing vocals Kelly Clarkson is one such artist) and Arrison is definitely firmly in that group. You can really feel the heartache of someone trying to persuade an infatuated lover that they’re in love with an illusion.
“You see perfect, or pretty damn close.”
There’s a frustration at being trapped in an unrequited relationship and a fear of how to end things without crushing the other person. For her part, Clarkson provides a real weight and depth to the backing vocals, complimenting Arrison’s clarity perfectly but never threatening to overpower her.
If ‘Trying To Help You Out’ is any indication of the quality on Arrison’s album, then we’re in for a real treat. For an artist who’s sung backing vocals on many a major release, it’s nice to finally see her step fully into the limelight.
On the 1st of July go pick up Ashley Arrison’s debut album ‘Hearts on Parade’ on her website www.ashleyarrison.com (though I hear they’re taking pre-orders).
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Tags: ashley arrison, hearts on parade, trying to help you out
June 14, 2010 at 12:05 pm |
Great article, THANKS!
I love “Trying to Help You Out” so much. I have no doubt the album will be special and that’s why I pre-ordered it. Can’t wait to hear the whole thing July 1.
June 14, 2010 at 12:06 pm |
Glad you liked it
June 14, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
Ashley Arrison is a truly authentic artist. History in the making.
June 14, 2010 at 12:50 pm |
Definitely! Can’t wait to watch it all unfold
June 14, 2010 at 2:37 pm |
I was thrilled to hear Ashley was coming out with a full-length album. I already have her EP, and I just pre-ordered her new album from her website. I also downloaded her new single “Trying To Help You Out” from iTunes, the other day. Ashley is one of those rare artists, like Kelly Clarkson, in that she sings from deep within her soul allowing the listener to feel the passion with them. I hope everyone gets a chance to hear her!