STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2285-15185 LABEL: Curb d277954 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
She was signed to a solo deal with Curb Records after the phenomenal success of the debut album from her band, Selah. Where Selah are praise and worship focused and gentle in their music, Smith's solo album allows her soulful voice to run free. Coming over as a slightly diluted Ashley Cleveland, she's got all the top guys working with her! Produced by Chris Rodriguez and Michael Omartian with a little help from former Springsteen bassist Tommy Sims, Nicol has drawn songs from some top names, including a Diane Warren ballad "Here In My Heart". It starts off in fine fettle, with the muscular funky grind of "Different Light" and "Great Big Car" and later the Tommy Sims song "Soul Salvation" all catching the ear, but elsewhere it blands out. It's all nicely produced and all that, and Nicol certainly has the vocal chops, but I definitely prefer it when she's stretching into blue-eyed soul territory rather than trying to be inspirational.
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