Most people would listen to the opener of The Great Divide, the new album from Kathy Sabol, and focus on Kate Denham‘s not inconsiderable voice. And whilst “Satellite” is a brilliant showcase for that extraordinary vocal prowess, that isn’t where I think its power lies. It is in the song’s ability to rock hard and yet be as accessible as any pop song that is its real charm.
And so, through sixteen songs, we are treated to an array of genres and styles, each as accessible as this opening salvo. “Mirage” is jaunty piano pop, a style that is always going to sell itself easily, and “Anyway” is a gorgeous and grand, string-swathed, chamber-pop reinvention featuring Vincent Byrne.
“Back To School” takes a 90s chart groove and reinvents it for the modern age, sounding like the sort of thing Britney would be debuting if she were just starting out today and, by complete contrast “Twilight Passage” blends classical grace with the haunting voices that made Clannad such a household name.
The album rounds off with a neo-soul-indie ballad, (see, you even have to invent genres to describe Kathy’s work) “Belong With You,” a soulful and subline duet between both featured vocalists.
The Great Divide is a pop album that always seems to have one foot in another sonic camp. While the pop trappings catch your attention, it is the elements and attributes woven in from those other genres that keep you coming back for more.
Pop, yes, but pop with a PhD!
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