It's clear from the very first bars of Dreaming in Colour that Justine Kay wants to be a pop star. Big, heavily-processed acoustic guitars (a la Sixpence None the Richer) joined by bigger drums, soaring electric guitars and keyboards -- all these set the stage for 45 seconds or so before Justine herself finally makes her vocal entrance. By the time the soaring chorus arrives ("I'm on the outside looking inside/I'm on the outside looking in/I gotta play by the rules they never taught me/where do I begin?") we have a pretty good idea of where Justine Kay is going.

Now, ambition is not necessarily a bad thing. And there's nothing wrong with a good pop song. The trouble is, none of the songs on Dreaming in Colour push the envelope to create something really new and appealing. And without a big record company budget (like what's available to Kylie Minogue, say, or Michelle Branch), it's difficult for independent artists like Justine Kay to fully realize their goals.

Dreaming in Colour is Kay's first release. She plays acoustic guitar and mandolin throughout the project. Producer (and mix and mastering engineer) Darrell King is credited with all other instruments and programming; keyboards and drum samples are emphasized throughout the record, which at times has an almost retro synth-pop sound. It's possible that some of the flaws in the project are a result of over-producing what is, at its core, a simple two-person effort.

Kay's voice is shimmering at its best and her songwriting shows promise. What's missing here is another level of personal honesty and individuality, the kind of newness that was present in the early work of one of Kay's influences, Alanis Morrisette, whose gritty lyrics and unusual perspective helped set her apart from the crowd. I'd also suggest that Justine give Shelby Lynne a listen: she writes very commercial songs ("Killing Kind") that combine irresistible hooks with some degree of individuality and substance.

Reading her website, it's clear that the English singer-songwriter wants to be perceived as a personal, honest artist. Another reviewer cites her "introspective, soulful and original lyrics" but I have difficulty finding that depth in songs like "If You Want Me, Tell Me" ("If you want me, tell me/'cause I need to know/if you feel like I do/don't be afraid to let that feeling show") and "Bittersweet" ("the cutting edge of your knife so deep remains within my soul/and when I cry myself to sleep I wish that I could tell you so").

Desire and ambition do count for something. Having produced a very pop-sounding album as her debut, it would be interesting for Justine Kay to try a live or stripped-down approach for her next release, and also take more risks with her songwriting to differentiate herself from the rising tide of aspiring pop singers.

- Rambles
written by Joy McKay
published 23 August 2003

[ visit the artist's website ]