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Katie Callahan

Extraordinary

Review by Gary Hill

I previously reviewed another set from Katie Callahan. One constant in her music is that it's really hard to pin down in terms of style or genre. It generally ranges near folk and Americana, but there are plenty of more genre-bending things at play. It all has a real artsy angle to it. Callahan's vocals and lyrics are the biggest selling point, though.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024  Volume 1 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.

Track by Track Review
The Undertaker's Daughter
The folk music arrangement rises up gradually here. The vocals come in shortly to complete the picture. This fills out somewhat as it continues. It really feels so much like the kind of thing that would have been very comfortable on the radio in the 1970s. This is classic in nature.
Once At A Wedding
This feels more contemporary, landing closer to a creative alternative rock side of the equation.
Hungry
More artsy in nature, this gets a little trippy at times. There are sort of electronic psychedelic angles to this number. It turns harder rocking further down the road, and the vocals really soar at times.
Love Song for a Best Friend
The artsy concepts are definitely in place on this number, too. This has more grounding in some ways, but still manages to really reach for the stars.
Extraordinary
The title track starts mellower. While it works out a little, it remains on the more sedate side of the equation for a lot of its running time. It does turn more powerful later, though, getting into some of the most electrified stuff of the whole album. The vocal performance is also one of the most powerful out there.
Magnificent Beast (Keep It All Together)
More folk rock based, this has a real poppy groove. It's a lot of fun. It also has plenty of energy.
There You Are
More of a thoughtful ballad, this is classy. It has some definite artsy elements at play, too. It does build out more toward power ballad later, and is a great way to end the disc in style.

           

 
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