Whitney Fenimore – State of Being
This is a beautifully laid-back showcase with a vocalist with a satiny voice & miraculously — well-nourished melodies despite some rhymey lyrical passages. First out is the catchy “Come Along” with its infectious vocal. Not too spacy, mystical or folky. It’s a mellow showcase that’s well-arranged & played.
Many songs have their own individual producers. On “Come Along” Hunter West produced. While “New Normal” was produced by Preston Cochran (acoustic, bass & electric guitars/electric piano) who also co-wrote with Whitney. It plays out well with an early Sheryl Crow-type sound that permeates the song but doesn’t hamper it whatsoever. Nice vibe.
The 11 tunes on State of Being (Dropped Oct 3/Independent) have a nice continuity. Whitney Fenimore (vocals/acoustic guitar) provides mostly an earthy voice so why do they add a vocal treatment on the Nashville-based singer’s voice is beyond me (it isn’t needed). Jared Anderson (acoustic, bass & electric guitars/synth/bgv) & Whitney produced. The drums sound like drum pads instead of a real kit on “Thank God For You” — a pleasant enough tune that has a hook in how Whitney adds her oohs.
Will Honaker (bass/organ/piano/electric guitar) & Ross McReynolds produced “Punching Bag,” with guest vocals by co-writer Addison Agen. It’s more mystical in nature & deeper lyrically — a tuneful ballad. Some songs are of a more religious nature which is fine since Whitney doesn’t lay it on thick like some overly dramatic Christian rockers. The songs are all well-written but fairly elementary with some quite solid. Whitney does sing competently throughout with a good folky/country/easy listening charm. Her lyrics are superior to the basic country songs of mainstream radio though some are over produced. The drums overpower Whitney’s voice (“Worst Thing For Me”) & this is a good ballad. Vocal treatment (echo) rears its ugly head again on the wrong type of song — “Cowboy Sweetheart.” This should be warm & poignant. Her voice is pure & natural. No bells & whistles required.
“Better Than Lonely” is a good ballad. Ms. Fenimore’s poignant, prominent & gratifying voice is supported by a clear snare beat that infuses the angst & sadness in her voice. Whitney mines essentially the style of the late Sandy Posey (“Single Girl”) & Robin Ward (“Wonderful Summer”). It brings out her individuality.
The best track is the rollicking, percussive groove of “Am I Doing This Wrong?” Nothing superficial, or popish in a commercial way. The arrangement sparkles. Ms. Fenimore sings with a wild strain of poignancy. It bops along with the piano under the surface laying down lovely notes. Why did it end abruptly? This is a fade out song.
Good album, period.
Highlights – “Come Along,” “New Normal,” “Thank God For You,” “Punching Bag,” “Better Than Lonely,” & “Am I Doing This Wrong?”
Musicians – Ross McReynolds (drums/synth), Terence F. Clark (drums).
Color image courtesy of Whitney’s website. CD @ https://www.whitneyfenimore.com/bio