KT Tunstall – KIN (Caroline Records, 2016)
Cheerful and feel-good tunes are what KT Tunstall brings to her newest release, KIN. The 11-track opus has an early 2000s power-pop vibe to it. It features loads of chant-y background “ooh”s and “ah”s, subtle electronica sounds and simple guitar progressions. Although the majority of the record elicits happy feelings in the listener, the lyrics are not overly giddy or sickly sweet. The album embraces themes such as starting anew and being true to yourself. The record’s main love song and duet, “Two Way,” features James Bay. Tunstall and Bay’s voices complement each other effortlessly and work beautifully in harmony, but the song is typical in structure and instrumentation for a pop ballad. However, KIN proves itself to be a fun and danceable record—it’s filled with confidence-boosting, motivating anthems, perfect for someone who is embarking on a journey of sorts.
Trial Track: “Love is an Ocean”
7/10
