Customer Reviews

Kerosene

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Miranda Lambert is the most unique new artist of any genre I've heard in a long time. Fantastic original songwriting with gripping, thought-provoking lyrics. Don't be put off by her cutesy-blond appearance-- this girl is the real, nitty gritty thing. I'm not a die-hard country fan, I'm a Yankee from Upstate NY and I like music for whatever it is-- if it's good, it's good. And I'm totally hooked on this CD. The songs get better each time I listen to them.

Few artists on the Texas country scene have enough commercial appeal to make national playlists. Miranda Lambert is an exception to the rule; the amazing thing is, she does it without sacrificing who she is. There aren't any huge radio hits on this album, I don't think--time may prove me wrong, and let's hope it does--and the fact that the album debuted at number one is attributable to Lambert's "Nashville Star" exposure...but none of that detracts from the quality of this fine, charged, and truly enjoyable album.

I won't go song-for-song--don't wanna ruin any surprises for ya. You've heard the feisty "Kerosene," the breezy "Me and Charlie Talking," and the passionate "Bring Me Down." The rest of the album revovles around these sentiments, sometimes with more acoustic arrangements, sometimes with screaming electric guitars and pounding drums. The songs themselves are as inspired as the arrangements/performances...everywhere you look, there is a clever turn of a phrase, or an undeniably catchy hook (my favorites remain "If you're the death of me darlin, I wanna die" and, of course, "There ain't a rule that ain't worth breakin").

What sets Lambert apart from her peers is not her national media exposure on "Nashville Star" (I didn't watch it, but I believe she was on the first season; if I'm wrong, sorry), but her gifted songwriting abilities. She wrote or co-wrote every track but one; all the better, because all of these songs are true gems. With her songwriting abilities, her vocal prowess, and her feisty attitude, one cannot help but compare Lambert to Dolly Parton (minus a couple of, um, physical attributes). Do you think this comparison is far-fetched? Listen to KEROSENE, then see if you can disagree with me.

Sitting around with a couple of friends two years ago, watching the finale of the first season of Nashville Star, I made a prediction....even if she didn't win, Sony would sign Miranda Lambert. There was no way they would pass up the chance to nurture someone so talented at such a young age - she was just too good an investment! Now, two years down the road, here we are with Lambert's debut disc KEROSENE....on Epic/Sony! And what a debut it is! Upon first listen, you might mistake it for the third or fourth release from someone in their thirties, versus the first release of an artist still in their early twenties. Things kick off with the percolating alt-country title track, sort of the female version of a Steve Earle rocker. With it's chiming guitars, pounding percussion, harmonica riffs and snarled "Ha!", this track could very well be the feisty musical younger sister of Earle's "I Feel Alright" (I particularly love the line "Dirty hands ain't made for shaking"). An awesome way to kick off the album! Things continue nicely with the chugging "What About Georgia?" With it's gutsy lead vocal and perfect arrangement (nice interplay between guitar and banjo!), this smart song about growing up, owning up to your mistakes and learning to put the past behind you is intelligent, artistic and fun, all at the same time. Another winner! Things are cranked down a notch or ten with the aching "Greyhound Bound For Nowhere." It's rare when someone as young as Lambert can convey the resignation and hurt that permeates this song (the fact that she's been doing it for a number of years probably helps!), but that's just strong testament to her talent. This tale of a love triangle that just can't end well is anchored by some gorgeous guitar work - both acoustic and electric - as well as a plaintive lead vocal. What can I say...hit single waiting to happen! Next up is the sparkling "New Strings." Despite her age, you can tell Lambert's been at this for a while, something she confirms when talking about "this old guitar and a brand new set of strings"; at this stage of her life, that's all she needs. She's set out on an adventure...and she's jazzed about it! That excitement shines through brilliantly on the cut. "I Can't Be Bothered", a honky-tonk rave-up written by fellow NS alum Travis Howard (who co-penned two more songs on the disc with Lambert) is jukebox music at it's best...the fiddle's upfront, Lambert's voice has just an extra dose of twang to it and your feet are moving by song's end. Another strong contender for a future single! On the flip side of the coin, I really don't know what Epic was thinking by releasing "Bring Me Down" as KEROSENE's second single - it's a nice song, and it's grown on me with additional listens, but (compared to around 95% of the rest of KEROSENE) in the end it comes across as slightly overproduced, with a somewhat histrionic lead vocal. Ditto "Me And Charlie Talking"....a clever enough song about a childhood romance that was supposed to last forever...but didn't. Cute, coy and, ultimately, forgettable, this is an O.K. album track, buried in the middle of the disc...it is NOT the DEBUT single off the DEBUT release from a DEBUTING artist. Epic needs to think long and hard when it comes time to pick a third single, because the first two choices have definitely shortchanged the disc. Things rebound 110%, though, with the smoky, sultry "I Wanna Die." With it's in-your-face backbeat and keyboards snaking in and out, there's a definite rock edge, but Lambert still keeps it country with a powerful (yet, at times, kittinish) lead vocal. Another side she would be wise to explore with greater depth on future recordings...! Next up is the beautiful "Love Is Looking For You"...great instrumentation, cool vocal, but what really shines thru is Lambert's prowess as a lyricist: "Maybe you're just jaded from some nobody's unforgotten words/Maybe you're just faded a little gray from every time/That you've been hurt/So you're looking for your skin/That you never did fit in/You can't hide when you're turned inside out/Love is looking for you now." That's a writer, ladies and gentlemen! The same can be said about "Mama, I'm Alright", one of Lambert's collaborations with Travis Howard. With it's gentle vocal and strumming acoustic core, Lambert effectively conveys that what was right for her folks just wasn't in the cards for her: "If I had done what you and Daddy'd done/I would have never lost and never won/Or gotten myself kicked when I was down/I would not know how to travel well/A hundred bucks and cheap motels/I would not know how to fight for my own heart next time around." Another one knocked out of the park! Things wrap up with the haunting "There's A Way" and the delicate "Love Your Memory." So...pick up Miranda Lambert's KEROSENE and get on board at the ground level of a career that is destined to soar in the years to come (As with all my reviews, I'm giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics).

This CD is like a fresh breath of air! 1st of all it's impressive that she is 21 years old and has come this far, 2nd, she has written/co written MOST of the songs... and 3rd. WHAT A VOICE, WHAT A TALENT!

She opens strongly with the title track; kerosene a powerful and awesome song, and it doesn't stop there, she keeps on giving us one WONDERFUL song after the other, this CD will make your ears and tummy tingle with excitement! I just can't get over how great this CD really is.
All the songs are wonderful; they all stick out as AMAZING songs, all the songs are well balanced, with a remarkable voice, fantastic music and lyrics to die for.

I don't believe there are many, if any artists out there with the sound she has made for this album and it's rare that we get to see and hear artists, of her age, with her astonishing talent. I find it hard to explain just how wonderful this CD is, all I can advice to is, run and get your self a copy, set yourself down with headphones or with the sound cranked up, just lean back and enjoy... I don't think you will regret it!

If 'Kerosene' is any indication, we will be hearing Miranda Lambert's name for a long time to come. The songs are all strong, Lambert's songwriting ability at this stage of the game speaks of unlimited potential. The title cut is pure fun and energy, 'I Wanna Die' is a playful, sultry bass guitar driven romp. 'I Can't Be Bothered' and 'Me and Charlie Talking' are pure unabated country -- not the Adult Contemporary drivel that clogs mainstream country radio these days. Her ballads are very appealing as well, including 'Greyhound Bound For Nowhere' with the poignant lyric "She loves you and you need me, but there's some things we can't share".
One of the things that surprised me the most about this album are the excellent arrangements and musicianship. Often, especially for female country artists, the music is unimaginative, purposely pushed to the background to highlight the vocalist's talent. That is not the case here, each song is crafted with care, such as the excellent percussion effect on 'Me and Charlie', and the guitar swells on 'Greyhound'. Lambert's backing group is allowed to breathe and demonstrate their substantial skills. I definitely recommend this album to anyone who loves authentic country or Texas music.

This album "Kerosene" is the best CD! Miranda is an amazing singer, and an unbelieveable songwriter!! There is not one song on the entire thing that you would want to skip. The title track "Kerosene" is a foot stompin' attitude song about a woman being burned by love and she's now "giving up on love 'cause loves givin' up on me" All the songs are so great it's hard to tell you which one is the best. All I can say is if you are thinking about getting it... stop thinking just get it! You won't regret it! It's awesome!!!

I am so impressed with this debut album. Miranda Lambert has co-written nearly every track. The tone of her voice is pure, although it is pure Texan. The songs are fun, refreshing, thoughful, and just thoroughly enjoyable.

Before I start my review, I need to get something off my chest. The reviewer that gave this album a 1 star, appropriately known as the Anonymous "Country Music Fan", seems to give almost all the albums (except for Dolly Parton albums) he reviews a single star and a trashing. Based on his (or her) other reviews, I strongly suspect that this person doesn't actually own the CDs and is probably just a frustrated armchair quarterback. I would therefore recommend that the viewers here discount this individuals comments as worthless rant.

OK, know for the review. I typically do not listen to much country music, but Miranda and her band caught my attention during the CMA show earlier in the Year. Being an old rock and roll fan, I really appreciate the new, hard driving country music that Miranda represents. Her album is a great record for the old rock fan who wants to cross over into the realm of country music.

The real surprise I got is when I happened to see Miranda's band live at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. That show blew me and the rest of the audience away! Miranda and her team puts on a great high energy show. If you like the album, you need to check out a show. Maybe if the Anonymous "Country Music Fan" would actually see a show, he might be able to come up with a more balanced review. Its all about the music!!!

I was seriously taken aback by how much i enjoyed this cd. I didnt do what i normally do and listen to snippets beforehand. I wanted to see if could get a cd and just enjoy it straight from jump. I did in a big way with Kerosene. Miranda Lambert is a seriously talented artist and just as good songwriter. She has a hand in almost every song on the whole cd and i can't help but feel that touch on all of the songs on her debut cd. I know that it did well overall not that it would have mattered. i still would have made the choice to purchase this cd by a stunning up and coming artist no frills, no gimmicks or anything just natural talent and that is why i really enjoy not only Kerosene but music in general. You have a new fan in me Miranda. Keep on doing what you love and people will be there to buy it. You rock, best of luck..awesome debut CD.

Favs - Kerosene, Greyhound Bound For Nowhere, I Can't Be Bothered and There's A Wall (all of the rest rock as well)

Miranda Lambert. Wow. I had never watched the tv show Nashville Star so I didn't hear Miranda sing until afew days ago at the CMA Awards. Then this girl comes out onto the stage, marches up to the mike and starts belting out a tune entitled "Kerosene". Then, she throws her guitar off the stage, and starts singing and dancing in a literal ring of fire. Flames were erected about this girl on the stage and I thought, who is this girl with this killer voice, singing while dancing around inside a ring of fire? ... It was Miranda Lambert. She was singing Kerosene, a song she penned herself. She has it all, attitude, a great voice, and strong songs. Give the girl a listen, you won't regret it. Coming through Nashville are a lot of hopefuls, unfortunately, most of them aren't that talented. This is not the case with Miranda Lambert. Also worth a listen: Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Mesina, and Corinna Fugate.