Words: Jeremy Williams her journey and her experiences. By allowing herself to be exposed, she opened doors to the listening public and touched hearts unwittingly. In an ironic twist, Shelby Lynne suddenly found herself accepted by the musical mainstream. At the 2001 Grammy Awards, Shelby Lynne won the award for Best New Artist. In her acceptance speech she declared that it had taken her “thirteen years and six albums to get here”. Her journey through the musical wilderness had climaxed and according to the critics she had finally arrived. However, all these facts and figures mean nothing in comparison to the beauty of “I Am Shelby Lynne”. The album had sat in a box since my university days, forgotten and hidden away. Yet my memory of its beauty never dwindled. Therefore as soon as I opened a box and found my lost album, I immediately placed it in my CD player. The dramatic “Your Lies” struck an emotional chord immediately. Shelby’s gutsy delivery enough to send chills down your spine.
“By allowing herself to be exposed, she opened doors to the listening public and touch hearts unwittingly.” For many it was the drama of the bigger numbers than defined “I Am Shelby Lynne” but for anyone who has given the record a real listen, the true beauty lies between the lines. Shelby Lynne doesn’t hold back, be it when she is at full pelt or in her softer moments. What she says is neither profound nor life changing but is frank and upfront. The subtlety of “Lookin’ Up” is heartbreaking whilst the Sheryl Crow-esque “Thought It Would Be Easier” will resound with emotions that everyone has experienced. Whilst “Dreamsome” takes things upbeat with optimism and hope. “I Am Shelby Lynne” must be one of the finest heartbreak records ever made. Everyone has felt it at some point but few have been able to express it so eloquently. “I Am Shelby Lynne” is out now. www.shelbylynne.com
www.thekaje.com
37