H R H - R E V I E W S

Kate Voegele
Don’t Look Away Myspace Records

Comments: Kate Voegele is the new face of pop rock. She has a fresh look, she has a fresh sound, and she's already shared the stage with some heavy hitters. At 20, Kate has performed on the same bill with John Mayer, Counting Crows, Aimee Mann, John Mellencamp and the Dave Matthews Band, among others.

Well, you say, it’s not that difficult to get an opening slot these days. You just have to know a few promoters, right? Maybe so. But in Kate’s case, she’s got the talent to back it up and she’s got a lot to sing about.

Unlike so many pop rock artists, Kate's lyrics are written from the heart. She’s kind of like an Avril Lavigne with something worthwhile to say. Well, she was like Avril until Avril decided to use the drum beat from the cheesy ‘80s one-hit-wonder “Mickey” in her new single “Girlfriend.” Maybe it would be more accurate to say that Kate is like a pop version of Tori Amos.

The hooks on this album are huge, while the lyrics offer sustenance for the soul. You’ll be singing from one hit to the next as you rip through Don’t Look Away. "Top of the World" sticks in your head for hours after just the first spin. You'll find yourself singing the chorus right through "Fergie hour" on "Today's Top 5 hit station, one-oh-one-blah-blah-blah”. “I Get It” and “Might Have Been” are also hit songs. Both songs are great upbeat sing-alongs.

If you’re one of those people who digs a good pop album, you seriously need to hit this in a hurry. Not only will you be in love with a hot new artist, but you’ll know the album by heart months before it breaks into the mainstream. It's always fun to discover a great talent before everyone else, isn't it?

www.myspace.com/katevoegele

TRACK LISTING
1. Chicago
2. I Get It
3. Only Fooling Myself
4. Top of the World
5. One Way or Another
6. It’s Only Life
7. Might Have Been
8. Facing Up
9. No Good
10. The Devil in Me
11. I Won’t Disagree
12. Wish You Were
13. Kindly Unspoken

Hardrock Haven rating:9/10