From a young age, Stephanie Phillips has engaged in singing, playing the guitar, and composing music. She defines her musical style as “progressive folk,” which guides listeners through an emotional odyssey encompassing love, loss, and the various ups and downs of life. On her latest album, “Retrospective”, she presents a set of tracks that shine in their own ways. Keep reading for my thoughts!
Originally recorded back in 1993, at a time when indie musicians didn’t have the means to share their music globally, it marked her first foray into album production. However, it remained a well-kept secret, only heard by a select few within their inner circle. Fast forward three decades, and the artist has since composed and released four additional albums. Yet, there was always a sense of something missing – that very first creation, unheard by her newer fans worldwide. Now, it has been revisited, with harmonies added and even a bonus track featuring bass and drums, all remastered for a fresh touch.
The album opens with “Tell Me Something”, a beautiful, soulful affair, with Stephanie’s melodies singing a story, with a gentle guitar keeping her company, complementing her every turn. Her harmonies are tastefully rich and lush, and bring a heartwarming element to this song.
Second comes “The Piece That Fits”– a homely number with themes of wistfulness as she misses the sunrise just as soon as it happens; with her harmonies playing an ever more cementing part of this album with this song. There is a tone of happiness and wishing that rings clear across the track, and it brought a grin to my face, listening to her relatable and enjoyable songwriting on this song.
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“It Doesn’t Matter”, the third track on “Retrospective”, is an evolution of the themes she presents in the first two tracks, this time a more assertive confession to a beloved, seeking their hand as they walk their journey together. At this point, I would be remiss to miss commenting on her voice, which has a soothing, almost therapeutic timbre to it, that makes her singing sound smooth, relaxed, and peaceful– even when she decides to cross registers unassumingly, and effortlessly; reaching impressively high notes and maintaining her smooth delivery throughout.
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Some special mentions on the album include “The Real Meaning of Life”, a graceful rendition of support and love through challenging times; a strong element of the theme of the album. “You and I” brings an animated guitar performance, the chords full of life and energy, coupled with a very cheery outlook that tugged at just the right heartstrings in me.
The production on “Retrospective” rests on the guitar and Stephanie’s voice, both coming together to form harmonies and melodies that are easy on the ear, and push you to sing along, while you join her on her storytelling ride. It retains power and panache in places that ask for it, and the dynamics play a beautiful balancing act between the loud parts, the quiet ones, and every place in between.
In conclusion, “Retrospective” is a beautifully crafted piece of music that is sure to brighten your day just like it did mine! Check out the album here:
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