Genevieve Racette – Satellite
This Montreal-born artist with a bilingual catalog focuses on compelling subjects such as stories of self-discovery, emotional reflection, intimate vocals & expresses it with important things that affect us daily: love, heartbreak, healing, forgiveness & beginning again.
Though I’m not a big endorser of lushness, whispery vocals & reverb-drenched styles Genevieve Racette (acoustic guitar) possesses a rich borderline Jewel-Sarah MacLauchlan youthful tone. She effectively with her own unique distinctive vocal timbre embellishes gently & thankfully, no showboating. She accessorizes her tunes with fashionable expertise.
Genevieve’s pristine style is relaxed with passionate tone, confidence, & clarity. I thought I’d find a few songs I’d appreciate but I was wrong. There were 6 out of 9 that caught my ear & wouldn’t let go.
On the 33-minute CD, her 3rd full-length LP Satellite (Drops March 18–In Tempo Musique) begins with “Hostage,” an acoustic-electric guitar lite melody with a youthful silky vocal. Her lyrics — quite good are not the angst-ridden stuff of commercial songs but serious torrents of well-projected words that touch on romance, life & conscience. This song isn’t compelling, but it would resonate with younger ears, “…broken is all I’m ever going to be,” is quite an exploration & would’ve made a stronger title.
Tracks 2 & 4 are powerhouses. “Maybe,” & “Someone” (with Dallas Green) have luscious melodies that aren’t lame, but captivating. Genevieve is well recorded & it gives her voice presence. Her tonality is warm on “Maybe,” & old-school sincere. Eleonore Pitre’s electric guitar penetrates with distinction as the vocals are reminiscent of what made pop-hit-maker Lesley Gore so famous in the 60s.
With “Someone,” Genevieve starts with formidable lines like Joni Mitchell often did to capture an ear. The musical approach is somewhat in the tradition of Tanita Tikaram & Joan Armatrading. Simplicity is shaped into intensity through performance. Good company to be in. Clever words, mature veneer & a haunting Eleonore Pitre electric guitar. Exceptional.
There’s a French tune that’s also striking. “Les Adieux,” (“Goodbyes”) is basically lovely — even if you don’t understand French. If Canada’s McGarrigle Sisters were still performing & recording this would be ideal with their harmonies. The title cut “Satellite,” is assuring & overall, the appeal would be for young girls with low self-esteem. Genevieve confirms to them through her carefully constructed artistry that “you are not alone.” She gives a degree of hope, optimism & affirms it through her plaintive potent arrangements.
There isn’t a bad song here & Ms. Racette, is consistent with her quality. Contributions: Francis Veillette (acoustic guitar 2 cuts/slide guitar on “Someone”), Philippe Fleury (drums), Alexandre Goulet (bass), & backup vocals: Judith Little (on 3 songs).
Color image: Eva-Maude TC. Produced by Francois-Pierre Lue (piano) & Genevieve. The 33-minute CD is available at https://genevieveracette.com/