Singer-songwriter Stephanie Angelini has covered a lot of ground lately, acquiring an avalanche of acclaim in the process.
Steady gigs in her home base of Melbourne, Australia, combined with heavy airplay and appearances on a pair of internationally hailed compilation albums – Grooves and Love and Compassion – propelled Stephanie into the public eye. And now comes her first full-length album, Life Lessons, which is bound to attract even more admirers.
Equipped with a remarkably strong voice, sparkling with charisma and flexibility, Stephanie Angelini masters a mix of genres with ease and eloquence. Whether she is bumping and grinding to hot and funky numbers like “Amen to That” and “Watch Me Melt” or purring a glossy ballad, she pours every beat of her heart into each note.
Stephanie’s bent for country music arises on a fantastic treatment of Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces,” where the sultry stirrings of “A Secret Smile” projects an air of cosmopolitan cool with its foundation of multiple instruments, involving a sitar, conjuga, harpsichord, cellos and flute.
“Coz of You,” with a featured performance by Brandon Wattz, boasts a sweet vintage soul sound, and the harmonious spunk of “Missing Link” yields a slick and smooth Motown vibe.
Angelini’s emotionally-charged vocals, matched by wise snd confessional dialogue and the resonant chords of a piano, construct the title track of the album.
Although a variety of styles are touched upon throughout Life Lessons, the core of the material is definitely pop oriented. Layered with ribbons of catchy tempos and rows of hummable melodies, these impeccably-orchestrated songs are just begging to be broadcast far and wide. And of course, Stephanie Angelini’s vocals – which are warm and immediate and frequently bring to mind prime time Karen Carpenter – are the guiding light behind the hooky compositions.
A couple of esteemed musicians, songwriters and producers (Joe Mandica and Preston Glass) lent their talents to this project, as well.
Streaming with class, mobility and a pure and honest love for music, Life Lessons locks in as a dazzling debut, ensuring Stephanie Angelini has created an instant hit.
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