Fusing together the strengths of a Broadway performer with the aura of Sheryl Crow and some classic rock, Felicia Finley steps on all genres with her debut album, “Great Mood for a Tuesday.”
Finley, with Broadway under her belt, has mapped out an album that allows her to be versatile while still showcasing her strong vocal range. Appearing on Broadway in “Aida” and “The Wedding Singer” as well as headlining nationally and internationally, Finley’s strengths lie in the energy behind the voice.
Starting off the album with reverent background riffs, “Satin Soldiers” is a true classic rock anthem. Recalling big hair, Corvettes and leather, Finley’s sound is energetic and the right decibel of piercing. She starts off the album showcasing the talents behind her, as her dynamic range needed no introduction.
Breaking from a potential reincarnation of Joan Jett, “Stories” invokes a 3 a.m. jukebox tune winding down the emotionally exhausted crowd. With a bittersweet modern country twang, Finely and crew embody the last warm nights of summer: “The names and places always stay the same/familiar faces that time has aged/But the stories change every time they’re told,” which sweetly softens the album into an already electrifying atmosphere.
Strong hooks powered with Finley’s definitive voice underestimates the power of simplicity at times throughout the album. While all of the parts of the band seem cohesive, many strings could be held back slightly to bring focus to these pop/rock/country amalgamations.
The energy of Finley’s electric ambition is obvious on each song on the album. Whether it be a loud Pat Benetar anthem heard on “My House Tonight” and “Fire Escape,” or sweet sincerity of the poetry in “Blanket.” Intermixing the strengths of the band behind her and her vocal arrangements, the diversity of the album is a welcome change track to track.
The true strength behind all of the hooks and arrangements lie in the veracity of Finley’s voice. Her dynamic range branches from traditional Broadway tunes and turns into a classic rock/pop album touching on all of her influences.
Evident influences of this genre mash-up lie in “Closin’ Time,” another sincere, uncertain love ballad with a twist of hand-clapping country. Finley is sweet enough to enrapture audiences with her stunning sound, regardless of familiar choruses: “I might stumble/ He might scare me/I might retreat.” Sounds like true love.
While not many actors have been able to make that transition from Broadway to pop star, “Great Mood for a Tuesday” has the ambition to utilize Finley’s talents in more than one setting. While it seems like the immediate genre to break into after Broadway is some sort of pop/rock cliche, I hope Finley does not stop at this album. Her strengths seen on stage will radiate if a cohesive background is set for her evolving style.
Check out Felicia Finley at www.feliciafinley.net or on MySpace. “Great Mood for a Tuesday” can be found on iTunes and Amazon.
