PAULA KELLEY
The Trouble With Success or How You Fit Into The World (Kimchee Records)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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As delicate as Paula Kelley's light, wispy voice sounds there is a rugged everyday rigor to her that might go unnoticed upon first examination. She is a soft, tender throated singer with pressing emotional needs and throughout The Trouble With Success or How You Fit Into the World she expresses those over lushly arranged pop testimonials. It is difficult to listen to Kelley's work without feeling some of the vulnerable Lisa Loeb tug on the heart strings. As a narrator, she seems to come constantly against the trials of the big, impersonal world and is best when she sticks to this formula.

There is a satisfying simplicity in Kelley's music, but one fears that a similar fate may befall her that came over Loeb after "Stay" from the "Reality Bites" soundtrack was a monster single in 1994. For only so long can the little girl effect work and sooner or later, your listeners grow out of wanting something so pouty. If Kelley wants to continue to make this music - however good it is now - she might need to quickly outgrow its charms.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz