A slow burning album
This is the first album from Canadian singer/songwriter Dahlia Wakefield. The album is made up of ten great songs that gel together perfectly. This is one of those slow burning albums – the more you listen, the more you will want to hear. Dahlia not only sings on this album she also plays acoustic guitar. The album starts off with a rocky song called Let’s Talk About Love. Dahlia’s voice is clear and polished throughout this album. One of Dahlia’s influences is Bonnie Raitt and this song shows just how much Bonnie’s music has had an impact on Dahlia. The second song on the album is simply called I. This is an enjoyable pop/rock song with an infectious chorus. You’re Coming Home sees the pace of the album drop a gear. This is a much gentler song with a pop/country feel. I Believe is a great song with plenty of angst in the lyrics. Written by Dahlia and Maryanne Schwartz this is a captivating song that sees Dahlia’s vocals switch between gentle/soft and rocky. Die For You is a beautiful song reminiscent in style of Linda Ronstadt. This is a song that penetrates the heart and will certainly get under the listeners skin. Heaven Knows shows off a different side to Dahlia’s vocals. This is a catchy song that has a dreamy feel about it in the verses and a bold anthemic feel in the chorus. Honestly is another song that has a pop/country feel. Dahlia’s vocals are warm and energetic. Most of Dahlia’s songs have a bold punchy chorus and this song is no exception. Meet Again Someday is a cheery pop song. Dahlia’s vocals on this song remind me a lot of those of Andrea Corr. This is a nice song to listen to on a warm sunny day. It has a fresh feel about it. Slipping Away is a classy pop song that sees Dahlia at her best once again. The album ends with a hidden song listed on the sleeve notes as Studio Babble. This is very much an unplugged song with little backing. Dahlia’s voice sounds perfect on this rather sinister song. It is definitely worth listening to the lyrics of this song – they are clever and well thought out. This final offering is a little gem that is just absolutely amazing.
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How refreshing to hear a CD where the first song is a nice sweet happy love song. Now I have nothing against bitter love songs, I actually like them quite a lot. But it's just really nice to occasionally hear someone who's not bitching about something. "Let's Talk about Love" is one of these happy love songs just about how amazing it is to find someone that makes you giddy (even if that kind of thing rarely lasts forever). 

Now the rest of the CD has its share of sad love songs, which are also very nice. 

"Die for You" has some really nice guitar parts, it's really pretty. 

"Slipping Away" is the best one I think. I like the arrangement. When listening to this one, be sure to let it play for the hidden track. Wakefield clears her throat and begins to sing a song that is at once amusing and alarming and that's all I'm going to say about that. You've got to get the CD to see what I mean. It's great. I love it. Worth the price of the CD alone. Plus it really shows her voice. 

Dahlia Wakefield has a lovely voice and her songs are well crafted. This is a nice recording.
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I get really mad at the music industry when I hear artists like Dahlia Wakefield. 
Here’s why. Wakefield is singing and writing music in the same danceable pop genre as, oh lets pick on Britney.

Dahlia has better vocal chops. Dahlia is also an attractive woman. Dahlia writes her own material, with cowriting help on two of the 10 songs on this CD. The songs are as hooky, danceable and polished as any pop songs on the radio out there now. 

In fact, if you put “Close to Home” in your CD player and closed your eyes, the only difference you would find between this and most of the latest generic female pop records is that you would probably like this one better. 

What Britney is selling these days sure isn’t singing and has never been songwriting. Wakefield is a songwriter with a strong sense of groove and powerful singing chops. Call me crazy, but I prefer that any day. Fans of power pop and great singing will enjoy “Close to Home”.
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Dahlia Wakefield is easily one of the best kept secrets that's going to take Canadian music to new heights. Born in the Philippines, she emigrated to Canada when still an infant. After moving from rural Saskatchewan to earn a music degree in Edmonton, she quickly made a mark on campus with her gentle, yet powerful vocal prowess, appearing on a Grant McEwan compilation disc.

She's released her debut CD, CLOSE TO HOME. This is finely crafted and honestly hard to believe it's from someone still wet behind the ears on this level, though she's been performing live since the age of 5.

The lead track "Let's Talk About Love" gives a definite premonition of what's to come, both on the disc and in this artist's future. Sultry vocals and tantalizing arrangements are prevalent throughout the track, as well as the album in general. Other straightout rockers include "I", "Heaven Knows" and "Slipping Away". They not only round out Dahlia's obvious talents, the guitar riffs are the glue holding the puzzle in place.

Dahlia taps into her soul with the accoustically-driven "You're Coming Home", "I Believe" and the sombrefully powerful "Die For You". Showcasing her country influences, their slick pop edge all give good representation of Dahlia's subtle and melodic undertones, and her incredible diversity.

CLOSE TO HOME is rounded out with everything EXCEPT 'filler'. "Honestly", "Someday" and "Meet Again Someday" give the album its full body, giving the listener a hint of Dahlia's true musical diversity. But it's the quirky impromptu jam session "Happy Here With Me" that really captures her in her personal true essence. Guitar in hand, she lulls you with the story of an obsessed lover, bondage, voodoo, duct tape and viagara. What's not to love?

This collection of pop and rock gems is just one of those CD's that will quite naturally make its way into your regular rotation. There is absolutely not even a single bad track on CLOSE TO HOME. Every song stands on its own, with its own unique charm and each a potential hit. Dahlia wrote or collaborated on all 10 tracks, displaying superb depth in her writing. The production from her bandmates Greg and Lyle is top notch, making you wonder why this artist hasn't been picked up by a major label ... yet.
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