Riley Jordan - She Can Defy Gravity
Pop, Adult contemporary, Singer Songwriter
Melbourne, Australia
Overall Impression: With her wonderfully wholesome and commanding vocal presence, Riley Jordan offers up an excellent slow soul-infused rock ballad that blends both accomplished performances with inspired songwriting, resulting in a captivating track that engages and dazzles in equal measure. Having been producing and arranging her own music since the late 1980s, it's safe to say, Riley has spent the time since then meticulously honing her craft, continually improving herself as a musician, performer, and songwriter to marvelous effect. Blending rock, r&b, soul, and pop styles together with great confidence and flair, Riley's vocal characteristics most closely echoes the lush, velvety timbre of Tina Turner whilst also managing to effortlessly inject her own distinct musical identity into the track with great success. "She Can Defy Gravity" is an inspired piece of songwriting and a terrifically absorbing listening experience from start to finish.
Strongest Point(s): The vocal performance is both tremendously expressive and undeniably full of heart. Riley's superb control over tone and dynamics is excellent and the command she has over her voice is nothing short of masterful. Expressing the equally well-crafted lyrics with tremendous delicacy, Riley's smooth and endearing vocal qualities give the track its sense of character, and when combined with the southern rock tinted backing that accompanies, the results are nothing short of enthralling.
Target Audience Appeal: In terms of style, this definitely has a soul/rock feel to it, the artist I most closely associate with this style of track is Tina Turner who blended elements of soul, rock, funk, and R&B into her music. This track has that certain feel to it. The slide guitar even gives the track a southern rock edge, when combined with the soulful vocals, it makes for a very interesting and unique blend.
Artist target suggestions: Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, Chaka Khan, Alison Moyet, Kim Carnes, K.D. Lang, Jessy Wilson, Gary Clark Jr. Seratones, Joan Armatrading, Des'ree
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.