Kelly Willis – What I Deserve – 25th Anniversary Edition
This is a generous set of music, clocking in at nearly 70 minutes. While this set celebrates its 25th Anniversary, none sounds dated. Lead-off track “Take Me Down” exemplifies a country groove that’s pristine & flawless. Of course, it helps that the voice belongs to Oklahoma-born Kelly Willis—an always dependable vocalist who knows how to bend a lyric with her intonation & phrasing—as mannered as a great jazz vocalist.
There’s no straight singing – the songs seem to possess a graceful glide with charm, tone, taste & class to spare. The showcase includes 13 songs & 5 previously unissued bonus tracks live on Mountain Stage in November 1999. These make up What I Deserve – 25th Anniversary Edition (Drops Oct 25/Omnivore/Warner-Rhino/69:16) originally produced by Dave McNair with the compilation produced by Daniel Strickland & Cheryl Pawelski.
Some songs have a pop spirit, but the Country-defining sound is evident. “Heaven Bound” & “Not Forgotten You” are such songs. Catchy & well-arranged. Each a typical “hit” had they found their way onto the charts in the 60s when many female Country-oriented vocalists dominated the pop charts (Jody Miller, Diane Renay, Sue Thompson & Brenda Lee).
Some songs are more down-home country than others, but none lose the momentum of Kelly’s album. For those unfamiliar with Ms. Willis, she would find a comfortable spot beside music by Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett & Lari White.
Some country artists try to boost their musical attraction by adding a pop element. But over time a few have gone too far. Kelly apparently at this time in her career was wary & added only a suggestion of a pop arrangement without losing the Country thrust. “Wrapped,” is a perfect example of this clarity & focus.
Of course, in the 60s the majority of artists were experimenting with many applications. Not so much maybe Bobbie Gentry or Jeannie C. Reilly, but Diane Renay’s “Navy Blue,” Sue Thompson’s “Paper Tiger,” & Sandy Posey’s “I Take It Back,” & “Single Girl,” were planted with one foot in pop soil & the other in true country.
With “Cradle of Love” Willis has the attractive vocal atmospherics that Alison Moorer wrapped around her “Cold In California” several years ago. To me, that’s the new Country pop sound when it’s inventive & creative, unforced & smooth as cashmere. The bluesier side of Kelly comes with “Got a Feelin’ For Ya,” which would’ve been a perfect duet for Kelly with Elvis. If only…
Highlights – “Take Me Down,” “What I Deserve,” “Heaven Bound,” “Not Forgotten You,” “Wrapped,” “Cradle of Love,” “Got a Feelin’ For Ya” & the live “What I Deserve.”
CD cover image courtesy of Michael Gomez. Included is a 16pp stitched liner note & lyrics insert. CD @ Amazon + https://www.kellywillis.com/
