Direct hits.
Ruby James’ first CD from 2008 contains twelve songs, ten of which written with Rene Reyes.
In rootsy rocking opener The Words Goodbye James proves to be an eager and convincing singer, just like in When I’m Gone, based on a dirty rhythm ‘n’ blues riff, and the melodically disappointing Suicidal Serenade.
In these songs, it is understandable that James cannot escape the relentless rhythm and her great strength only shows itself fully during nine varied ballads.
In those spaceous songsMitch Marine (drums), John Avila (bass, background vocals, production), William V. Malpede (piano), Mike Bolger (organ) and Rene Reyes (guitars, background vocals) support her emotional vocals intelligently and in a moody way.
The title song seems to have lain on the same shelf as Bette Midler’s The Rose in chord progressions, melody and theme. Still James’ languid voice convinces completely in that song, just like in Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game. In it, she combines desire with wickedness and thus adds something new to the masterful original.
In the other seven ballads James also sounds seemingly effortlessly expressive, sometimes backed by atmospheric background vocals. Her voice easily conjures up the emotion that she sings about: regret, longing and lust resonate in songs about uncertainty, forgiveness, love and desire. That way her vocals make it sound logical that she is the sultry Mistress Of The Devil, admires the real love between her grandparents and does not want to disappoint her mother.
This almost perfect debut was overlooked then, but the music on it is timeless enough to recoup that damage.
***1/2