Audrey Vanessa
1800 Miles Later

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  Audrey Vanessa is a developing artist with tremendous promise. Her self-released debut 1800 Miles Later is a dynamic recording filled with emotive vocals, that are clearly understandable, and the lyrics are all about... well, you guessed it, relationships, lovers won and lost during the journey of life. The sounds may be different but the story lines never change. After all, what else is there in life without love from our fellow human beings? Whether it's about the love that is happening right now or the one you just lost, the bottom line is most artists do sing about the subject in some of their songs. In this case, Audrey's main theme is about relationships and her feelings surrounding each situation and or person. You can never be sure if it's a personal diary or fictional when you are listening but know one thing, this lady turns on her magic and sex appeal and makes each story believable in some way. Whether it applies to your own life or someone you know, it all works between the music and lyrics presented on this CD. I tend to think after listening to this CD three times that this all heartfelt stuff, she sings with too much conviction and emotion for it to be anything else, she owns it all a few seconds into each track.

The music is a key factor in helping Vanessa to get her point across in every song and the seasoned players that contribute their talents cooperate beautifully to enhance her voice and add tremendous energy and conviction to her vocal workouts and straight-to-the-heart lyrical content. Every song has substance and a solid foundation but the best track for my ears is "Let Go." This hook-laden song is a rocker yet Audrey's vocals are smooth and understated, which lets you sink your teeth into all the great music and powerful lyrics she is singing. That track is the best bet for a successful single and high volume airplay. The track that follows is a stab at a Latin flavored ditty, it works and then it doesn't, her voice is wonderful but does not match the music, she is well suited to every other track on the album however. This is the only song that steps away from her format. I do have to give her credit for trying something different and taking a chance, many folks would not do it, particularly on a debut. On the subsequent track "Addiction," she totally redeems herself with some great catchy music and lyrics to match. I liked seven out eight tracks, which is not a bad batting average.

There is a bright future ahead for this young woman, who will soon be celebrating her 21st birthday. Keep your eyes and ears open to her progress, I would be willing to bet you will start seeing her name pop everywhere very soon.

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