Why did I wait so long to write this!???! - In the spring of 99, I was fortunate to have paid a visit to the Twin Cities best record store, The Electric Fetus (that s a plug), just as this incredibly talented singer-songwriter was setting up for an in-store show. In that all-too-brief performance, Kendall s amazing voice and poetry rang so true and timeless that I could not wait for this still-unreleased first record to come out. When it did I was impressed by the introspection and insights conveyed by a 17-year-old, as well as the beauty of her voice and sophistication of the production and melodies. Upon hearing the lyrics, I immediately tried to introduce Kendall s music to the 16-year-old daughter of a close friend, only to learn that I was too late, she had already discovered her, as had many of her friends. This debut release, Jordan s Sister is a beautiful body of work, and it deserved so much more airplay and distribution than it ever received. Listened to as a whole, it relates the perspective of a young woman (it could be almost any young woman), faced with the fears, temptations, influences and contradictions society constantly assaults us with. Throughout, Kendall demonstrates unblinking courage, compassion, love and support to the listener, and it is immediately obvious that she cares deeply about those who are listening. These songs take on subjects from the challenges of personal faith, to the lure of Hollywood, to the dilemma faced by a terrorized young woman considering an abortion, to honoring the memory of a friend s father, who died far too soon. I suppose many would put Kendall Payne in the Christian artist category, but my fear is that doing so has been very limiting, and has kept her off the radars of many potential listeners and fans. What I love about Kendall is that while there is may be an unmistakable undercurrent of her deep faith throughout, it is subtle enough that it needn t distract agnostics (like me) or atheists from the universal truths and topics of these songs, or from the beauty with which they are performed. Kendall Payne has released two equally wonderful records since this one came out (Grown and Paper Skin), and this review could just as easily have been written for either of them. But for me the initial impact I felt from Jordan s Sister resonates still, and it is long-past time I said so. Thanks, Kendall!
Well-Crafted Pop Music, But Lyrics Need Work - While Payne gets credit in my book for trying to say something with her songs, Jordan s Sister is full of poorly-crafted lyrics that don t quite hold up under the strain of her Big Messages. All the same, she s a talented musician with a good ear for pop and/or the smarts to listen to a good producer and arranger (Ron Aniello, whose credits include Guster and Barenaked Ladies). Her sweet voice makes it easy to listen to this album, even though it sometimes tastes like empty calories.
6 years and counting... - I love this CD. In the past six years, it s never been out of my CD player for more than a couple months. People may recognize Supermodels and Closer to Myself from movies and t.v. Kendall wrote /co-wrote all of the songs. Some of the songs feel young (Supermodels, Fatherless at 14). Others, like Never leave and On my bones are simply beautiful. This CD is one that I love to listen to when I m feeling a little down (I feel better after the CD) or when I m just feeling a little quiet. Kendall sings with soul and with spunk, depending on the song.
Payne s new album GROWN available NOW - For all those who may not know, Kendall Payne was unjustifiably cut from Capitol several years ago and was out of the music scene for quite some time. She has recently re-emerged with a brilliant independent CD, appropriately titled GROWN. Check out KENDALLPAYNE.COM for details or buy it directly at CDBABY.com. This artist needs signed again and deserves worldwide exposure. GROWN is a very, very good album that without question exceeds what she brought out five years ago with Jordan s Sister. It s very well produced, very well written, very catchy and also very heartbreaking. She s got all she had on Jordan s Sister and more on the new CD, including a track that she did with Lifehouse s Jason Wade that has a very nice vibe and distinctly Lifehouse feel. Check it out, and send this artist back to the frontlines.
completely amazing - This album is so amazing. Kendall Payne is a talented songwriter and singer, she is so refreshing. I can t stop listening to it. I think everyone could really relate to her lyrics and touching songs. Can t wait for the next album!