Published on Jan 2, 2001
Classically-trained pianist Debbie Andrews is a bit of an enigma
to me. Maybe it’s because she’s able to display her talents without
coming off as a show-off on her latest disc
Suburbs Of Eden. Maybe it’s because she proves she can write
poppy songs without sounding like she’s aiming for any one
particular genre. Maybe it’s because this eight-song, 27-minute
disc leaves me wanting a whole lot more from this young artist.
Working with musical partner Mike Blaxill, Andrews spins tales
which are pleasant enough to listen to yet leave the listener
feeling like there might be a deeper meaning in the songs than they
immediately recognize. Tracks like “Resurrection” and “Dog On A
Skylight” demonstrate the skill that Andrews has – as a songwriter,
as a musician and as a singer. It’s not easy to be good – even
passable – at all three skills at once. Andrews shows she’s more
than good.
Interestingly enough, Andrews seems to save her best material
for the end of
Suburbs Of Eden. “Hitchcock Blonde” would be one of the two
songs I’d pinpoint as having what they call “singles potential”
(the other being “Dog On A Skylight”); this particular track is
catchy enough to easily fit into any AOR aor adult-contemporary
mix. The disc’s closing track, “Testament,” leaves the listener
wanting so much more from this album, yet teases them by not
offering more.
And maybe that’s the one drawback I could see with
Suburbs Of Eden. Being an independent artist, I can
understand that Andrews is most likely working on a shoestring
budget. (Fortunately for the listener, she didn’t cut corners
regarding the selections of backing musicians or the disc’s sound,
as both are superb.) But I honestly would have liked to have had
more material to talk about on
Suburbs Of Eden. Andrews proves she’s worth the attention
with the songs presented here; if only she had given me more fuel
to stoke the critical fire I’d like to light for her.
Suburbs Of Eden is a disc which demonstrates the promise
that Andrews has as she continues to hone her craft into a blade so
sharp it will undoubtedly slice her own path through the muddled
musical genres. All I know is that I want to hear more – and I hope
Andrews won’t keep her soon-to-be-large fanbase waiting long.