Album Review: Lisa Richard, Promises Kept

Lisa Richard has cultivated a fine pedigree in her career. The Haligonian has shared the stage with Vince Gill and released a strong EP back in 2017. Now Richard, with some help from acclaimed producer Jason Barry, has released her debut full-length affair. And it's thanks primarily to Richard's fine, rock-steady pipes (a la Kathy Mattea or Mary Chapin Carpenter) that makes it a promising listen throughout.

Rich in storytelling, most of the material here is thoughtful and well-crafted, particularly "Heroes" which is a touching nod to her parents. A similar melody later makes "My Two Fathers" is high quality also. Her deep timbre also comes to the fore on "Just Some Things" which shifts from a toe-tapper to a two-stepper to wrap up. The lone tune that doesn't quite work is the funk-ish "I Tried" which seems to slightly miss the mark to these ears.

Primarily radio-friendly from top to bottom, the album slows down with the ballad "Sunday Confession" but hits all cylinders with the delectable "News You Can Use" (with success on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown chart) and later with "Hell Of A Wreck." Hopefully Richard pinky swears her future releases are as engaging and appealing.

Promises Kept was released May 27, 2022.
Listen to it here.