| Katie Goes to Tokyo is a delectable showcase for the angelic voice of Kathrine Bergstrom, and it quite simply sings. |
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Katie Goes to Tokyo
Katie Goes to Tokyo
Tap Your Feet (2006)
The gods were smiling down on music lovers everywhere when Kathrine Bergstrom began singing, because a voice as lovely as hers could have come only from heaven.
The lovelier half of the Wilson Hospital, a favorite group here at buhdge, makes her solo debut with this immensely satisfying collection of songs that are perhaps a bit more serious lyrically than those on the Wilson Hospital album, but are just as enjoyable and, perhaps, even more so thanks to the spotlight being squarely on Bergstrom's fiercely beautiful voice.
Kicking off with the sweet midtempo balladry of the pretty "Moving from this Town," one of three singles taken so far from this album (a fourth is set to be released this month), Bergstrom, who wrote nine of these 11 songs by herself, and the other three with Wilson Hospital partner Marten Tromm, is totally invested in the words and melodies on offer here. She is quite simply a marvel.
These wonderful songs, each and every one of them imbued with exquisitely-crafted melodies and hooks, are instantly hummable, permeating the consciousness with satisfying sounds. Bergstrom's main instrument, her golden voice (she also plays guitar, piano and flute), is often doubled to great effect, such as on "Unbelievable," an upbeat look at the malleable nature of trust in a relationship, and the ability, or lack thereof, to move on when necessary. The hit-worthy "Everywhere I Go," about deciding whether to stay in a relationship that has changed, has an especially catchy chorus, which is no surprise when you realize that every song here shares that enviable characteristic.
The delights keep coming on this wonderful album. The highlight for me is the oh-so-pretty ballad "It It's Alright." Masterfully crafted by Bergstrom, this song about partners who fool themselves into thinking they should be apart because they are too proud to admit their true feelings to each other is a smash waiting to happen; radio stations around the world should add this song immediately and sit back and watch their ratings rise. This classic ballad is nothing short of miraculous.
Produced with great care by Tromm, who has obviously invested his heart into this project, Katie Goes to Tokyo is the best album by a female pop artist to make its way into the marketplace this year. Bergstrom could sing the contents of a packing list and make every entry come alive. Her voice sends shivers up my spine every time.
As I wrote in my review of the first two singles released from this album, "Katie can go to Tokyo or Topanga, as long as she sings like the angel she is." Welcome, therefore to heaven.
Alan Haber
April 2, 2006
Go to: Tap Your Feet