Stairwells [Enhanced]

Kina Grannis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: One Haven
• ASIN: B004NCOQII
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,812 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. World In Front Of Me

2. Message From Your Heart

3. Gone

4. Valentine

5. In Your Arms

6. It's Love

7. The One You Say Goodnight To

8. Stars Falling Down

9. Heart And Mind

10. Without Me

See all 13 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Together

2. Strong Enough

3. Cambridge

4. Stay Just A Little

5. Back To Us

6. Sound of Silence (SIMON AND GAR

7. Disturbia (RIHANNA COVER)

8. White Winter Hymnal (FLEET FOXE

9. Valentine (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

10. Message From Your Heart (STAIR

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Review

''There is perhaps no other musician on YouTube quite as polished as the
quirky songbird Kina Grannis'' --Entertainment Weekly

''Kina Grannis plays lovelorn acoustic guitar pop in the wispy, rhythmic,
Jack Johnson style on her latest disc, Stairwells'' --Timeout New York

Product Description

Kina started playing shows at the age of 4 in front of her stuffed animals. Now she plays in front of people. In 2007, Kina joined YouTube, made a music video and entered herself into a contest. A few months later, her video for Message From Your Heart aired during the Super Bowl and its 97 million viewers (or 194 million eyeballs, depending on how you re keeping track) and she walked away with a record deal. Since then, Kina has regularly posted her songs on YouTube, amassing many millions of views, and toured throughout North America, including sold out shows at Los Angeles' Troubadour and New York City s Highline Ballroom. Her songs have been heard on television shows such as ABC s General Hospital and MTV s College Life. She has self-released three EPs, and in February
of 2010, Kina independently released her debut full-length album,
Stairwells, which debuted on Billboard's Top 200 and #5 on iTunes Pop Chart. Her music is both sweet and melancholy, but always filled with hope. She'd want you to know that she saves drowning honeybees from
pools whenever she gets the chance.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant songwriting, gorgeous vocals, and flawless production--Stairwells is emotional, relatable, and honest June 14, 2011

By Joseph Bayot

Format:Audio CD

Kina Grannis has been an accomplished musician and prolific songwriter for many years (her first studio album was released in 2005.) With this 2011 release of Stairwells, Kina shows her complete development as a polished and personable artist who deserves to be heard by anyone who enjoys quality songs from musicians with integrity. Although many of the tracks on Stairwells depart from Kina's coffeehouse, acoustic guitar roots, every one of them is anchored by the stunning range, unfailing clarity, and distinct timbre of Kina's vocals. If you enjoy Ingrid Michaelson, A Fine Frenzy, Jazon Mraz, or Colbie Caillat, Stairwells will be a fine addition to your music library.

Catchy, poppy tunes like "Valentine" (over 8.4 million views on YouTube,) "Stars Falling Down," "Mr. Sun," and "Together" will have you singing and humming them for days (but you won't mind.) Sweet, optimistic tracks like "World in Front of Me," "In your Arms," "It's Love," "The One You Say Goodnight To," and "Back to Us" will elicit a sense of lightness and togetherness even in your saddest hours.

However, Kina's true strength and distinguishing feature is her contemplative nature and lyrical prowess. She leads us on an introspective journey through her complex mind with "The Goldfish Song," "Heart and Mind" and "Delicate." She voices her relatable and heartfelt pleas with "Stay Just A Little" (my favorite track on the album,) "Cambridge," and "Message From Your Heart." She rounds it all out with upbeat displays of resilience and determination in "Without Me" and "Strong Enough" and "Gone."

Kina further shows her musical versatility by covering three very distinct songs, maintaining the originals' charms while making them completely her own: "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Disturbia" by Rihanna, and "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes.

In addition to the stellar audio content, the three "Stairwells Sessions" remind us of her humble roots as a fledgling guitarist, singer, and songwriter. As an undergrad at USC, Kina would often retreat to her dormitory's stairwells in order to practice and hone her craft. The three videos remind us of her timid past but also make us excited for her bright future. With this album, Kina clearly has the world in front of her.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely voice, lovely songs, lovely artist... April 5, 2011

By Bron TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:MP3 Music

"Stars Falling Down" alone is worth the price of admission. Highly recommended!

I first ran across Kina Grannis some years back when searching YouTube for performances of Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. Kina had a cover online and it showed up in the list. I listened and loved her pure, sweet voice, her friendly style, and straight ahead natural performances. I soon discovered a huge repertoire of Kina's online YouTube performances, many of which I enjoyed very much and I have followed her blossoming career since that time.

"Stairwells" collects many of her best songs (there's also a new deluxe CD just released) and is a delightful collection for anyone who enjoys music in a very open, approachable style relying heavily on talent and performance more than gimmicks. Check out YouTube, if you have any doubts, but I can hardly believe anyone would hesitate to grab such beautiful music for less than the price of a quick lunch.

Kina is also touring currently, so check your local music spots or her web site -- live is always better. ;)

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars what a find! May 19, 2011

By john c persson

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

A well performed group of songs from a relatively new/unknown artist who in upcoming years will go places. Such fun to listen to and be at the ground floor of such beautiful talent. Her vocals are captivating, lyrics well written, and her guitar merits it own recognition. Nice arrangements, and good variations. Check it out!