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Smith began to garner attention nationally when she was endorsed by none other than Dolly Parton. In fact, a bonus track on Smith’s debut, One Moment More, is a version of Parton’s 1970s hit “Jolene,” which was also on a recent Parton tribute album. Since then she has found a home on Vanguard, a specialty independent label that gave Smith more artistic freedom that she may not have received from a major. Thankfully Vanguard allowed that freedom, and some beautiful songs emerged. “Come to Jesus” has a haunting, bluesy feel and powerful vocal melody akin to Patty Griffin and Sheryl Crow. The album shuffles between upbeat pop/rock such as “Falling” and “Fighting for it All” to introspective folk ballads like “Raggedy Ann,” but one thing is constant throughout: Smith has a voice that is clear as a bell -- powerful one minute, soft and sweet the next. “It’s Amazing” sounds like it came straight off Griffin’s Flaming Red album, and for my money is the catchiest track on here. “Hard to Know” is just dark and angry enough to show Smith’s edge, but it’s in tracks like “Angel Doves” and the title track that the beauty in her songwriting comes through. Both were songs written for loved ones lost. There may be a few tracks on here that fall just short of spectacular, but for a first effort I’m left wondering where Mindy Smith goes from here. She has the potential to be one of the greatest songwriters we’ve heard in quite some time, and a voice that can be heard from New York to California on a clear day. Norah Jones came out of nowhere, and may have paved the way for artists like Smith to keep emerging and delivering great music. ~Mike Farley mfarley@bullz-eye.com
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