photo courtesy of BJF Media

Album Review of Jaime Kyle: Wild One

Jaime Kyle is a talented rock ‘n roll singer-songwriter. Her songs have been covered by a variety of artists. In fact, this album’s title track, which Jaime co-wrote, was recorded 30 years ago by Faith Hill. Rest assured, when you listen to this album (if you’re not already familiar with Jaime), you’ll notice her chops are every bit as exceptional as her songwriting. (I mean, natch. I only review music I would recommend.) Wild One, the album, ranges from rollicking rockers to heartfelt ballads, playing to Jaime’s myriad vocal strengths, even hinting at country on one ballad; of course, she knows how to write for country, so that’s probably not much of a stretch for her.

image courtesy of BJF Media

Jaime roars out of the gates on this record with the title track, a full-throttle, anthemic rocker. Song number two “Driving with the Brakes On,” is only slightly less persistent, with a little more texture in the verses but no less energy in the chorus.

“Change” is kind of a Pat Benatar-ish softer rock number – one of those tracks with a not-quite-slow-enough-to-be-a-ballad tempo, but it’s definitely a slow song. It’s a song that requires an almost whispery soft-touch vocal as well as cutting vocal power, showcasing the versatility in Jaime’s chords. And it’s followed by “Blue Night,” a true ballad that hints at country. Or, at least, explores rock-country ballad territory a little.

photo courtesy of BJF Media

Next up, “Perfect Love” is a playful rock ‘n roll romp, an uncredited duet that excels in part due to the exceptional vocal interplay. “Lie,” meanwhile, is a song so full of spit and vinegar you’d might expect it to be covered by Miranda Lambert at some point.

The rest of the disc is equally a mix of slow songs and rockers; I’ll mention a few of my faves. “Not About Love” is the closest thing to a soaring torch song you’ll find on this disc. “Dirty Goodbye” is a mid-tempo rocker that feels as if it exceeds that medium energy level thanks to some well-placed, divine guitar riffs. And the disc closes playfully and fun with the upbeat, sunsplashed “Happy Town.”

For those who like big, open, catchy rock albums with a nice mix of rockers and ballads – and maybe the stray vocal or guitar riff that hints at country – you’ll dig Jaime Kyle’s Wild One.