I am not a fan of country music. In fact, you could go so far as to say that I hate it. So imagine my surprise when I found myself enjoying the soul-inflected country ballads on Carla Lynne Hall’s Supernova.

If the folks at Ariel Publicity are smart, they will market Brooklyn-based Carla Lynne Hall as the female Gen X version of Charley Pride. As a black woman who can capably sing country-pop, Hall would not have to fight hard to stand out in the field. Hall’s handlers could play to the stealth demographic of blacks who enjoy country music, and eventually introduce her to more cosmopolitan white country fans.

First, they should try to get the Top 40-friendly “Supernova” (or its “Reprise”) onto as many radio playlists as possible, and maybe even pony up the money for a well-edited music video to promote the single. The twang and vocal stylization of “Long Distance Love” could work on radio stations with a more traditional county and western format. The soul-stirring “My First Child,” the uber-passionate “My Body’s Keeper,” or the sweepingly romantic “Fallin’” would all boost record sales as follow-up singles. (Incidentally, the seamless arrangement of the horns, organ, and Hall’s voice on “Fallin’” had me hitting the “repeat” button several times.) And “Lucy and Ethel”, a bittersweet ode to female friendship, can be included on the soundtrack of a tear-jerking chick flick.

I have high hopes for Carla Lynne Hall. If she maintains her artistic integrity and sticks to country music, she’ll be a star. I just know it.
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Singer/songwriter Carla Hall brings a soft, folkie voice that also ventures into blues and country. Her sweet songs of love are everlasting and will warm your heart. This is her sophomore album that is gaining attention in the underground circuit with gaining comparisons to Norah Jones.
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Supernova was due for release in September, 2004, but has been slightly delayed. From what I can tell, the reason for the delay has absolutely nothing to do with the music: her voice is beautiful and the production is spotless.

My favorite song off of the album is the first and title track, Supernova in which Carla uses a celestial metaphor for a super-cute and super-catchy good old-fashioned love song. Track 5, Say Goodbye, is a jazzy upbeat song which seems to be about a smart girl who isn't taken in by a guy's good looks and great lines. Track six, Left Side Blues, is a sultry, hot blues tune about just the opposite (driven by obsession). Track ten, Lucy and Ethel, breaks your heart with a sad goodbye and she finishes off the album with a countrified slight return of the title track, Supernova, with an added steel guitar.

Her style is definitely pop, but some of her songs have a decidedly country twang; others are distinctly bluesy, soulful or jazzy. What can I say about this girl? Talented. Versatile. Dedicated. Brilliant - like a star.
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