the 31 best of 2007 – 5: Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight

It’s the final five, y’all!! Coming in at number 5, is the current album by Rilo Kiley, titled, Under the Blacklight.First, let me start by saying that I honestly didn’t care very much for this album the first time that I heard it. I ended up getting it, because of my deep love for the opening song, Silver Lining, but something made me give the album more than a few spins. After each spin, I found something more that I liked, and after a while, I really realized how great this record is. I love it when something comes across as odd or off putting in the beginning, only to grow on you, and become a favorite; those are sometimes the best albums in your collection.

Rilo Kiley are one of those bands that I have had recommended to me time and time again, and for whatever reason, I always ignored those suggestions. However, that’s the way I am sometimes; sometimes, I need to just discover something for myself, which is what happened with Rilo Kiley and this amazing album. I heard Silver Lining, and loved it so much, that I wanted to hear more. What I got, was a well crafted album, filled with great rock songs; all of which have their own feel and flavor.

I have to say, that one of my favorite things about this record, is the lead singer, Jenny Lewis’ vocal style. Her voice is sweet, but with an almost rough edge to it, which really goes nicely with the heartfelt songs she sings on the record. It also makes for the perfect companion on upbeat songs, that aren’t meant to be as serious. All in all, what you have is one of the best female vocals in my record collection, and a great pop-rock band backing her up. This record is raw, gritty, and well produced and polished at the same time; it’s just damn good!

If you have heard this album, and only liked it a little, I highly recommend you spend some time with it; you haven’t let it reach the true potential that it exhibits. Let it marinate; you will discover the intricacies that make it so fantastic. No one was more surprised than I was, when I realized how great this record was, and it solidified itself near the top of my list; seriously, my initial snap judgment couldn’t have been more wrong. This is definitely a great record, indeed; one that is filled with songs that really stay with you… in a good way.

Favorites from Under the Blacklight:
Silver Lining (one of my favorite songs this year)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rilokiley-silverlining.mp3]
Smoke Detector
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1116_smkdetector.mp3]
Breakin’ Up
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rilokiley-breakinup.mp3]
Under the Blacklight, Angels Hung Around, and 15.

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