Kim Garrison’s incredibly moving voice is the clear star of her debut album You Are Loved (2009 – Red Pants Records). Part of its show-stealing strength is that, simply put, Kim Garrison fits the definition of being “good.” She could easily fill a part in a Broadway musical, where range, crispness, and likability are key. But beyond that cookie-cutter ability, there’s a knowing edge, a hard coreness that understands a thing or two about being thrown around by life and could turn burly heads at a biker bar. Garrison carries a hint of Catpower-like whisper at times, bringing a lounge act element to some of the more bare tracks, whereas on others she soars expertly to cooing high notes that suggest a completely different range of emotions...For such a pipes-driven album, the fact that Garrison is also incredibly emotive creates a double-whammy situation. Chill-causing flourishes and embellishments slip naturally out of the lines, adding to her talent as a storyteller and proving how much personal experience is inserted into the lyrics. Comparisons to Jeff Buckley come to mind, and are indulged by a cover of his “The Sky is a Landfill” as a secret track. A difficult task to be sure, Garrison floats through the song gorgeously without a hint of hesitation, proving it the perfect backdrop for her range. Both artists croon in such an immensely personal way that listening to a performance is not only moving, but suggestive of a journey where the audience is privy to all the lessons learned...You Are Loved is a platform for this singing talent, and an honest declaration from someone not afraid to share.

The debut album from Kim Garrison, “You are Loved”, is an atmospheric, vocal-driven concoction, satisfyingly heavy but not dense. “You are Loved” has an ethereal tone to it, somewhat like the vocals of Bat for Lashes minus combined with smooth, complimentary instrumentation. A highlight of the album is the cover of Jeff Buckley’s “The Sky is a Landfill”, which shows off Kim’s vocal prowess, while still doing homage to the original.