Music video by Jessie Farrell performing Fell Right Into You. (C) 2007 604 Records Inc. Under exclusive license to Universal Music Canada Inc.

It was 2007.  I was excited to see one of my favorite Canadian Country Music artists, Aaron Pritchett.  On the bill was an “opening act” whose name I had not heard of before.  The music started, the lights came up and Jessie Farrell hopped on stage.  She was a beautiful and talented red-headed country singer from British Columbia.  I was so impressed with her set; I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of her debut album “Nothing Fancy”.

Those who know me know that one talent I often favor is those of singer/songwriters.  I love artists who can create original material all on their own.  Don’t get me wrong there are many talent music artists who can sing the heck out of anything, but couldn’t write a song to save their life.  I find deep emotions when I listen to an artist performing an original song.  I often compare it to watching a parent with their child.  Anyone can baby sit a child, but you pay special attention to your own.

Farrell had her hand in writing all ten tracks on “Nothing Fancy”.  Don’t let the title fool you, it has a polished sound that is not often achieved on a debut album.  It is slick, well written, and vocally strong.  This should come as no surprise considering Farrell raked in three Canadian Country Music Awards that following year, including Female Artist of the Year.  When you put hard work into a project, it pays off.

Like every other album in my collection, I have spent hours listening to “Nothing Fancy”.  A perfect blend of sassy up-tempo tunes and deep heartfelt ballads.  For the past seven years I have considered this album one of my “musical friends”.   It has a little bit of something for everything.  When I need a fun tune to rock out to during a workout, I jam to “I Guess” and “Sorry For You”.  When I need a song to escape and enjoy being in love, I throw on “Fell Right Into You” and “Best Of Me”.  When I am missing someone, I turn to the sweet sounds of “Coming Home (Jono’s Song)”. 

Farrell manages to keep my attention from start to finish.  This is an album that I can play from track one to ten and not find myself constantly flipping around and playing a few tracks before switching it out of my cd player.  She has a unique blend of country music that brings to mind her inspirations from artists such as Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks, and other strong female influences.

To see Farrell perform these songs live is like watching a parent read a bedtime story to their children.  It is something special that is not often captured in the studio and on stage.  She loves each and every single one of these songs.  She is smart, sassy, and beautiful, but most importantly she is honest.  The stories behind each of the songs are as interesting and entertaining as the song itself.

It stands out in my collection, and I often refer to it as one of my favorite albums.  I am happy to share this album with you this week and I hope that you find the same enjoyment listening to “Nothing Fancy” as I have.