Casey Weston
Album: Young Heart
Label: Oasis
Tracks: 8
Website: http://www.caseyweston.com

Fans and devotees of "The Voice" of which I am most definitely not one may well already know about Casey Weston although they will have to have watched the US version to see her debut on TV. This occurred in 2010 when, at the ripe old age of 18, she made it to the semi-finals of the programme. At the time she was compared to Stevie Nicks and it is proclaimed that her music is now aligned to Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles. It may be deemed to be sacrilege, but I personally prefer Casey's voice to Stevie's any day of the week. For a start I can understand the words!

Since her debut on TV, Casey has released three albums, the latest one being "Young Heart." I am not sure whether this is an EP or a fully grown up album as it only contains eight tracks. Somewhat short by modern standards and with the longest at 4.14, it is not the best value album I have heard. Having said that, there is not a bad track on it! Casey has a powerful voice which is perfectly suited to both modern pop and country music in which she excels.

Casey has co-written every track with a number of different co-writers, although she has written three of the songs with Evan Hutchings. I am not sure if she is the wordsmith or the musical author but in either case, she has a rare talent. She has surrounded herself with some very accomplished musicians on this album all of which add to the overall appeal and quality of the music.

Her voice displays real passion at times which is possibly best demonstrated on "Waking Up." "No Strings Attached" showcases Casey's vocal talents admirably as indeed do most of the tracks on the album. The songs are all delivered in a seemingly effortless manner.

Casey now lives in Nashville and the influence of that hub of music is easy to hear on the album. She also tours on a regular basis and has had the honour of singing the national anthem at a number of major events.

Casey is a major talent and one that I hope we will see in the UK in the not too distant future. My only real complaint is the length of the album, but then perhaps she is working on the old adage "leave the audience wanting more." I know that I do.

Rory Stanbridge