the 31 best of 2007 – 23: Ricki-Lee Coulter – Brand New Day

It is no secret that the “land down under” is full of some great surprises; for proof, just look at yesterday’s featured CD by the fabulous Kylie Minogue. Well, this next “diva” from down under found her start a little differently than Kylie; Ricki-Lee was one of the quite amazing contestants on Australian Idol. While people will continue to blast those shows for their fairly pegged vapid fluff, there is one thing that can’t be denied; these shows really do find people that can sing. Sure, there will always be the duds, but occasionally, there is a shining star in there, and occasionally, they are given the chance to shine… which is the case with Ricki-Lee.

On her second release Brand New Day,Ricki-Lee bursts from the marketing tool of the Young Divas, a group of fellow Idol outcasts brought together to showcase singing ability in covering old classics. However, after listening to Brand New Day, you can see why Ricki-Lee cut that cord, and moved back out on her own; she has a voice that deserves to do more than cover old songs from the 70s and 80s. Also, as my buddy Stu put it, Ricki-Lee left Young Divas because she knew she could do it on her own, and do it better; and you know what, she does.

With a voice that reminds me of talented singers like Mariah Carey, and fellow year-end list talent, Katharine McPhee, Ricki-Lee belts out song after song on a truly pop-tastic record. Some of the songs are twinged with the feeling of gospel turned up for a wider appeal, and when you hear Ricki-Lee belt out these songs, you will definitely feel like she is “taking you to church”. It is almost too much to believe that such a big voice could come out of such a small girl. Not only that, but with all of the beauty of girls like Lindsay Lohan, and of course Katharine McPhee, and the pop production of songs like “Can’t Touch It”, it is a surprise that Ricki-Lee isn’t burning up the charts in countries outside of her own. I read that she is expecting a UK release of her album soon, and I suspect that she will be a hit there as well. Ricki-Lee’s record is another great example of a fantastic singer coming together with people who know what to do with her voice; and do it well.

This is one of those albums that will give you enough to dance to, enough to lift your spirits, and enough to leave you feeling good. Overall, it is a great album through and through, and there really is only one song that I would ever skip; the whole CD is a great listen. If you are in for some great pop (and who isn’t at this point), turn your attention to the former Young Diva from down under; things are hot down there in Australia, and a lot of that heat is coming right from Ricki-Lee!

Favorite songs from Brand New Day:
Can’t Sing a Different Song
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rl-cantsingsong.mp3]
Alone No More
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rl-alonenomore.mp3]

Can’t Touch It, Take Me To a Place, and I Appreciate You. (click the link to go and see the fun video for Can’t Touch It)

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