Singer/songwriter, author and speaker, Staci Frenes, just released her ninth independent album, Unpathed Waters, Undreamed Shores .Produced by long-time friend Nate Sabin (Jason Gray, Sara Groves), the collection of nine songs have a more textured and lush pop sound with lyrics that reveal a deeper look into Frenes’ life. It involves navigating some messy and unpredictable changes that include deep personal losses and the ever-shifting roles of career and parenting. Frenes and Sabin co-wrote all of the original songs on the new record that delivers the music in her now familiar acoustic folk-pop style.
Frenes is based in San Francisco and... Read More Singer/songwriter, author and speaker, Staci Frenes, just released her ninth independent album, Unpathed Waters, Undreamed Shores .Produced by long-time friend Nate Sabin (Jason Gray, Sara Groves), the collection of nine songs have a more textured and lush pop sound with lyrics that reveal a deeper look into Frenes’ life. It involves navigating some messy and unpredictable changes that include deep personal losses and the ever-shifting roles of career and parenting. Frenes and Sabin co-wrote all of the original songs on the new record that delivers the music in her now familiar acoustic folk-pop style.
Frenes is based in San Francisco and has been writing and recording for several years through her publishing company, Stones Throw Music. Her songs have had placements on The Biggest Loser, America’s Next Top Model, Nashville, along with national ads for American Airlines and the Gap and feature films that include the 2016 “Faith of Our Fathers.”
The track 'Undreamed Shores' with its steady beat and mix of an acoustic guitar and driven electric guitars sounds like something the brilliant Sheryl Crowe would produce or write. It's neither country nor pop, nor rock nor acoustic, it's all of the above genres together making a fabulous sound.
'Disarm' is about peace in the world. "Love will be our best defence". This is a classic acoustic track that seems to tick all the right boxes. The same could be said about the song 'Moving Me' which has some lovely atmospheric backing vocals that are well worth checking out.
The first four tracks of the album are very much on the upbeat side of the emotion scale. Then during the song 'Storms' the album flips to a more reflective, even intimate side of the emotion scale.
The album flips from one emotional side to another so quickly, one moment a track on this album can bring you to tears, then the next track might make you smile for no real reason. There is a lot going on, more than you expect after you first listen. This album needs a good few listens to really dig deep into what the songs are trying to say.
'Lighthouse' is a sweet and reflective track, maybe sweet is not the correct word, maybe charming and gentle is a better way to describe it. I have realised today more than any other day that to explain music in words isn't easy. Right, so my thought is, go and check these songs out - they are great. My words on paper don't do this album justice. I think I'm off to learn more words!
What I would say conclusively about this album is not only are the songs good and the songwriting of a high standard, the tone of everything on this collection of songs is truly wonderful.
Review by Jono Davies
LTTM Rating 4 Out of 5 Stars Standout Tracks Disarm
Lighthouse
Anything Can Happen
Singer/songwriter, author and speaker, Staci Frenes, just released her ninth independent album, Unpathed Waters, Undreamed Shores that is available now on all digital music outlets. Produced by long-time friend Nate Sabin (Jason…
