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I'm in the process of expanding my musical horizons. Kenny Meeks is certainly one of the longest steps taken thus far in terms of branching out from what I have thus far learned to appreciate. A former member of Sixpence None the Richer and apparent Nashville legend, Meeks' new album Blue Chapel is chock full of down home blues-gospel.

When the album first begins the full onslaught of Meeks' guitar prowess is enough to take the listener aback. This is the type of thing we heard on the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. The only difference is there was some variety to be found there. Here Kenny Meeks wops us over the head with a relentless barrage of gospel tunes set to blues.

For the first few tracks, this method is enough to hold one's attention. Eventually, the songs start to sound all alike and the once-listening ear now learns to tune out the music. The musical repetition is equally matched by the lyrical repetition and Meeks has quite a penchant for making a chorus wear out its welcome in a hurry. The gospel lyrics are fitting here, but the songs don't seem very well written. That is with the exception of a few tracks that are directly taken from scripture. These are certainly the highlights of the album.

It is undeniable that Kenny Meeks possesses a high-degree of talent. However, he could certainly do a better job of packaging that talent in a more appealing way. 
 

Trae Cadenhead 12/16/2003