Ever since hip hop and rap have had eclipsed the mainstream music scene, many traditional rockers have either turned to country (a la Michelle Branch of the Wreckers) or they are out of a recording label. Thank God for artists like Kathy Brier, who despite trends have released a consummate rock record that harkens back to the 80s and early 90s where a guitar riff is actually played rather than sampled. Better known for her role as Marcie Walsh, Brier's claim to fame caught was via her role in ABC's "One Life to Live." Vocally, Brier has invested a full-bodied approach to her material with the emotional intensity of a LeAnn Rimes and the austute pentration of a Taylor Dayne. However, this disc's pride of place is in the songs: against the milieu of non-melodic flare in today's pop music, these paeans are impeccably written with distinguishable hooks and memorable lines. Perhaps the track that has caused the greatest clamor is the Diane Warren-penned "When It's Real." With all the imprints of this legendary writer, "When It's Real" starts off as a gentle ballad building up to a crescendo of a celebratory note at the discovery of true love. However, the haunting Warren connection makes its apparition again on "I Survived You." Though not written by Warren, this mid-tempo rocker with its cumulative intensity bolstered to its max at the chorus sounds like the Warren-penned Whitney Houston hit "I Learned from the Best." While the album opener "Wrecked" showcases some ferocious emoting in front of some serious guitar virtuoso as a broken hearted Brier lays the blame on her own choice. "O City," on the other hand, is a bluesy ballad dealing again with the issue of departure. However, this time he leaves not because of another woman, but the lure of the city and its urban lifestyle; a track that could well service country radio. Lest one thinks that this is a "victim"-style collection of songs, "Bend," a slow grinding ballad, finds a toughen-up Brier building fences around her heart refusing to "bend" for her no-good paramour. Brier takes a wry turn with the hidden track "I'm a Brick Wall." Inspired by her dad who told Brier to embrace her larger frame, "I'm a Brick Wall" an Aretha Franklin R&B-like romp, in a comical yet noteworthy way challenges us to accept our bodies as they are. While the anthemic "A Chance to Change the World" with its stately drum beat and propulsive guitar riffs, essays an inspirational message of significance that ought to strengthen disillusioned hearts. However, not all the tracks excel: "Now," a piano-based ballad ought to be a welcoming addition, but it's tainted by the irregular chord changes. While the Jeff Cohen, Frank Myers and Boots Ottestad penned "Untouchable" sounds more like a slick Nashville reject with its average melody. In may ways, Brier's CD is a standout. Unlike many rock albums which tend to yield to the temptation of having hip hop influences, this effort is unfettered pure rock with some tinges of R&B and country. Futher, despite this being Brier's debut effort, she sings as if her life is dependent on each note. And with songs this good, this by far one of the best CDs that have come by in a long while.

She truly shows her range with this CD. I hope that the radio stations start playing her. Wish her much success.

this is a great little rock cd from a real belter her voice captivates and soothes highly recommended get this now hoping for another soon don't make us wait to long kathy. hidden track is her rockin' version of the commodores brick house loved it!