The first three solo albums for Jadea Kelly were on an even keel time wise, then like so many recent things - a bump in the road. Now that even keel is back in the context of the style and tone of her recent album. ROSES is a roll out of cultured placidity where reams of luscious indie style folk pop acts as a therapeutic agent. 13 tracks and 46 minutes of pure bliss present an acclaimed artist planted in the ethos of her twin bases of urban LA and rural Ontario. Kelly drew on some help from her Canadian compatriots to craft a record uplifting in tone and connectively warm.
The old adage of serving some treats early in an album playlist is adhered here. The gorgeous floating vibes from opener 'Driveway' giving the album a melting start, effortlessly tumbles into the lingering subtle beat of 'Temporary Farewell'. Two lead off numbers to challenge the best. The cover depicting a striking electric guitar amidst a day either dawning or dusking is akin to what is felt from sinking into the prime serving for what is indeed a highly satisfying album.
The vocals of Kelly have a golden velvet texture about them suggesting a presence that is calm and reassuring. There is even a sultry side to them suggesting an evening backdrop rather than early morning.
Although electric guitar in its imperiously faint form guides the sound, subtle variations do evolve in the tune of a folkier acoustic strand to love song 'Any Old Boat' and a piano intro out of the blue in defining album closer 'Running to You'. This finale is far from rousing and almost reflects the album in its faintest state. A little steel is detected in the almost apologetic feel to 'Across the Stairs' and a touch of soulful keys helps pick the beat up a little in 'Pitch Black'.
Lyrically, Kelly tends to tilt towards the time honoured theme of love. Admittedly it will take several listens to take a deep dive into the words as the general vibes of the album tend to be more noticeable on the appeal front. 'Roses' the title track does possess a floral tone and proves a fitting heading for a record so positive and graceful.
In the background blurb, we learn a little about Jadea Kelly's eclectic past, which even included a dabble in metal. No such leap here, just another slice of what introduced her to overseas audiences in the 2013 release CLOVER. Now nearly a decade on we have more fine offerings in ROSES appearing as a moving sonic blanket to rest a weary soul and mind.
