Album Review: Kree Harrison’s ‘This Old Thing’

Kree Harrison definitely made an impact on music audiences with her stint on season twelve of American Idol. And, now she satisfies her loyal fan base that she developed on the show with her debut album. I’ve got to say that this is one of the more varied albums I’ve heard from a female vocalist this year. When I say “varied,” I simply mean that Harrison seems to know no fear as a performer. There’s tracks that definitely could fit right in the middle of the Country format, and there are a few where she stretcwhes just a little – only to prove her true strength as an artist.

The title cut is a strong example of the latter, with Harrison sporting somewhat of a Motown sound that she pulls off quite handily. Then, she turns on an emotional dime and delivers quite possibly the most seductive and sensual track on the disc with “I’ve Got Time,” which sounds like it could have been right at home on the radio during the AM heyday of the 1970s. Speaking of that era, “How To Dance” sounds like it could very well have been a lost track from the soundtrack of Grease. I have to say that I came away from these cuts very impressed with the versatile nature of her talent.

At the same time, Harrison sounds like she might have been listening to her share of 90s contemporary Country. Her performances on cuts such as “Something Else” and “Outta My Mind” conjure up the best of Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis, respectively, while also giving her a chance to flex her vocal muscle. She also scores high in that department with the soaring sounds of “Something In The Middle” and “Every Time I Fall In Love.” Needless to say, fans won’t be disappointed in these cuts in any way.

The two most notable cuts on This Old Thing couldn’t be further apart from each other – a sure sign of just how deep Harrison’s talent runs. She turns in a funk-filled version of “He Called Me Baby,” a Harlan Howard classic made famous by both Patsy Cline and Charlie Rich that is sure to turn a few ears. Then, there’s the emotional centerpiece of the album – “Wanted It That Way,” where the dramatic turn in the final verse will leave you aching for the lead character in your heart. Harrison slams it out of the ballpark on this cut – and that is definitely an understatement.

Kree Harrison’s fans have been waiting for some time on this music, and she delivers the goods. She shows the growth she has made since American Idol, and not only will this album satisfy the fans that were already there, but I think it could very well awake a passion in fans-to-be who have never seen the series. This one’s a keeper, from start to finish!

This Old Thing is available for purchase HERE.