CD: "Georgia Clay"Artist: Josh Kelley
Release: Mar 22, 2011
Label: MCA Nashville
I knew this was gonna be an easy, almost predictable review because I've been a longtime fan of singer/songwriter, Josh Kelley. Josh may be known as the brother of Charles Kelley, front man for the wildly successful Lady Antebellum, and while strong solid vocals obviously run in the family, that's pretty much where the comparison ends. Josh had already carved his own notch in the music industry before Lady Antebellum hit it big. From the first time I heard him sing "Almost Honest" in 2005, I knew this guy had that something special that was gonna keep his name around for awhile. Not only does he have a natural, vulnerable songwriting ability, his voice is smooth and effortless, almost soothing in it's tone. When I heard he was releasing a country cd, I knew it wasn't gonna really be that much of a crossover from pop. He's got one a rare talent that would have no difficulty with transition.
When I opened this cd and put it in the cd player, I got exactly what I expected and more - a fantastic cd from first note to last, his familiar style with minimal "tweakage" and honestly good music. I personally think this cd is chock full of some of the best music Josh has written and performed to date and that's putting it mildly. What I love about his style is that it's so easy, laid back and a far cry from alot of the "music" that's currently permeating the airwaves.
His breakout single, "Georgia Clay", is a collection of Josh's teenage memories that have never left him through the years. Yes, this kind of flashback song has been done over and over but never like Josh does it. Josh can mentally put you riding in that old truck beside him and caking the tires with that famous Georgia clay. The song makes you remember when summers were fun, staying out late with friends, kissing on the tailgate and just enjoying it when you were carefree with no real worries. This lead in song was a hit on GAC and CMT as well as the country charts, breaking the Top 20. The next song, "Real Good Try", is a musical pleading with a lover for patience and understanding while he figures out the kind of man he wants to be and apologizes for what he's done. I love this song. Following that up is "Gone Like That" which shows the other side of the "one nighters" and "off and on" relationships where he realizes how much he actually cares about the woman and wants her back, but can't do it because he can't take the heartache of being left again. A definite plus to this cd is the next song, "Baby Blue Eyes", a co-write with Lee Brice. This song is the original style that made me fall in love with Josh years ago. The song is an obvious show of lyrical love and appreciation straight from his heart for his wife, actress Katherine Heigl. Awww and then there's "Naleigh Moon", an emotional tribute to his relationship with his recently adopted daughter, Naleigh. This song will require Kleenex if you really sit and listen to the affection and passion in his voice. It's as if she's in her mother's arms and he's looking at her as he sings her song. What a great song.
Mildly put, this entire cd is not lacking AT ALL. It's a rare find these days to come across a cd that doesn't have at least one crappy, gotta fill that empty space song on it. Well, this is that rate musical golden needle in a haystack of other cd's that you wish you hadn't bought. I can't wait to hear what he's gonna do next. What a welcome addition to country music, we hope you stay Josh!
Make sure you add this cd to your cd collection, it's sure to be a welcome addition, one you'll find gets played quote often. Heck, buy two so you don't overplay your only copy!
Find "Georgia Clay" at Amazon.com, iTunes, Best Buy and most stores where music is sold. You can also purchase it right off of Josh's website and get an autographed copy.
