ONE LOVE (by Kimberley Locke)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 45:00 Min.

Released by Curb Records in 2004, One Love is the debut album of American Idol alum Kimberley Locke.  Besides covering a familiar pop standard, Locke delivers eleven original tunes – one of which is a duet with fellow Idol contestant Clay Aiken.  The songs are:

                                              Running Time:

1. 8^th World Wonder                        3:59
2. Have You Ever Been in Love      4:17
3. Wrong                                       3:17
4. I Could                                      4:20
5. Without You (with Clay Aiken)    4:31
6. It’s Alright                                 3:19
7. Coulda Been                               3:45
8. Before                                        3:54
9. You’ve Changed                         3:23  * Locke is a credited co-writer
10. Now I Can Fly                           3:47
11. I Can’t Make You Love Me         3:22
12. Over the Rainbow                       3:45

REVIEW:

Simultaneously exuding charm and radiant vocals, Locke’s first album proves a welcome treat.  In entertaining fashion, her songwriting team and musicians conjure up sufficient variety shifting between R&B/soul and mainstream pop.  Unsurprisingly, though, both Locke’s vocal style and her songs tend to resemble original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. 

That isn’t a detriment so much, as her material seems almost factory-made by Curb Records.  Still, Locke’s considerable talents shine on One Love, as this classy album merits a chance at re-discovery.  

PACKAGING:

Including a sturdy casing, it’s all standard-issue materials.  The CD’s contents are accurately advertised.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars