Posted on: October 7, 2010 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Jackie’s initial track on “Someone Like You” is something truly special. It is a track that exists at the nexus of a number of distinct musical style. It could conceivably chart on R&B, country, or pop charts, and that is based more on the talent of Jackie’s voice than anything else. Don’t get me wrong – the instrumentation is great, but each nuance of Jackie’s vocal, each rise and fall, is what is needed to transform this track into something special. With such a solid introductory single, it really is intriguing to me to see whether Jackie is able to convert the momentum created by “Someone Like You”. “Put Some Man on That” is the EP’s second track, and the guitars are what immediately hit listeners.

More firmly located in the country style, “Put Some Man on That” is a song that looks to resurrect the halcyon days of female-fronted country. Where there was a rich tradition of female country singers that lead from Dolly Parton to Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire to Shania Twain, I personally think the current batch of female country singers (Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift) are missing something. Jackie has that something, and while it may be undefinable, I think I have some inkling of what it may just be.

During “With My Eyes Closed”, listeners get some idea of what it could be – the sultry vocals that issue forth soon after the track begins provide a clue. To properly get what it is, listeners have to follow through to the end of “Insane”. It is what I previously discussed – the vocal and personal chops necessarily to effortlessly move through different styles and tempos of songs, to make anything sound absolutely Heavenly. While country music may be in a little bit of a rut, Jackie’s “Someone Like You” may just be what is needed to jumpstart its heart. If you find yourself a fan of older country, or just of talented female performers, put on a copy of “Someone Like You” today – you won’t regret it.

Top Tracks: Put Some Man on That, With My Eyes Closed

Rating: 8.2/10

Jackie Arredondo – Someone Like You / 2010 Self / 5 Tracks / http://www.jackiesite.net/

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