Rhea Francani is a New York City girl, but she belongs in Nashville. Currently pursuing a country music career, Francani sings a mixture of country and pop music, carrying on the recent trend of young female singer songwriters going into the country music genre. The EP was released to iTunes in February. I Want You To Know is a collection of tracks Francani has written, and are the public's first introduction to her music.
The album begins with the lead single "Dizzy." Lyrically, this is seems like it would be pretty bland, because of the classic topic of drinking until you are drunk on a Friday night. However, the chorus contains some of the most clever lyrics on the whole EP. Francani has fun with the lyrics with the opening line of the hook: "One, two, three, too many tonight," and then continues explaining how "dizzy" and "tizzy" she feels:
"My thoughts seem straight but my words ain’t coming out right
How could I be doing something wrong yet feel so alive
One too many and I’m in a tizzy
Going ‘round, and ‘round, and ‘round, ‘till I’m dizzy, yeah
Oh, I’m dizzy, yeah, yeah."
The upbeat country pop/rock production adds to the light, comical feel of the song. Definitely a high point of the EP.
One of Francani's most prominent influences has been American Idol winner, and Queen of Country Carrie Underwood. The title track, "I Want You To Know" recalls the sounds of early Underwood music, and would have been at home on Some Hearts. The pop based hook, along with the country instrumentals and the captivating lyrics form a track similar to the epic ballads "Starts With Goodbye" and "I Just Can't Live A Lie" on the aforementioned album. This is a classic love-declaration ballad. Francani's vocals are not the strongest on this track, but that does not stop the song from being lovely.
"My thoughts seem straight but my words ain’t coming out right
How could I be doing something wrong yet feel so alive
One too many and I’m in a tizzy
Going ‘round, and ‘round, and ‘round, ‘till I’m dizzy, yeah
Oh, I’m dizzy, yeah, yeah."
The upbeat country pop/rock production adds to the light, comical feel of the song. Definitely a high point of the EP.
One of Francani's most prominent influences has been American Idol winner, and Queen of Country Carrie Underwood. The title track, "I Want You To Know" recalls the sounds of early Underwood music, and would have been at home on Some Hearts. The pop based hook, along with the country instrumentals and the captivating lyrics form a track similar to the epic ballads "Starts With Goodbye" and "I Just Can't Live A Lie" on the aforementioned album. This is a classic love-declaration ballad. Francani's vocals are not the strongest on this track, but that does not stop the song from being lovely.
One of the songs on the EP that does not quite match up to the rest is "Runaway." It is catchy enough, and Francani sings it well, but the song is just a bit too cliche. The lyrics in the chorus are a bit lackluster. However, this song does have the most country production on the record, giving it a leg up.
The best track on the EP is the closer, "Now or Never." Vocally, this is the strongest Francani's voice is throughout this collection. There is a maturity her voice adopts on this song, making the song much more relatable and beautiful. Francani plays on the phrase "it's now or never" and compares it to a broken down relationship in which Francani is giving her man one last chance. This topic of toxic relationships has become very popular with female artists in recent years, and this track is one of the best songs that speak of that topic.
This is a strong collection of songs, but what Francani will struggle with in the future is how to set herself apart from all other upcoming pop-country singers. Her vocals are unique, but the lyrics and production are somewhat typical, and she hasn't quite found that element in her music that makes it different. Take many of the other new female country singers, and they all have something that sets them apart. ForRaeLynn, it's her unique vocals and beautiful, almost childish outlook on the world. For Kelsea Ballerini, it's her lyrics, and unique country/dance-pop fusion. For Mickey Guyton, it's her powerhouse vocals and amazing ability to convey emotion through her voice. Francani has got everything she needs to make it, but there's just that little piece of different missing. Surely in time, Francani will find this, and this EP is launching her on the right track.
Best Tracks: Dizzy, Now or Never
Throwaway tracks: Runaway
Overall rating: 3 and 3/4 crowns
The best track on the EP is the closer, "Now or Never." Vocally, this is the strongest Francani's voice is throughout this collection. There is a maturity her voice adopts on this song, making the song much more relatable and beautiful. Francani plays on the phrase "it's now or never" and compares it to a broken down relationship in which Francani is giving her man one last chance. This topic of toxic relationships has become very popular with female artists in recent years, and this track is one of the best songs that speak of that topic.
This is a strong collection of songs, but what Francani will struggle with in the future is how to set herself apart from all other upcoming pop-country singers. Her vocals are unique, but the lyrics and production are somewhat typical, and she hasn't quite found that element in her music that makes it different. Take many of the other new female country singers, and they all have something that sets them apart. ForRaeLynn, it's her unique vocals and beautiful, almost childish outlook on the world. For Kelsea Ballerini, it's her lyrics, and unique country/dance-pop fusion. For Mickey Guyton, it's her powerhouse vocals and amazing ability to convey emotion through her voice. Francani has got everything she needs to make it, but there's just that little piece of different missing. Surely in time, Francani will find this, and this EP is launching her on the right track.
Best Tracks: Dizzy, Now or Never
Throwaway tracks: Runaway
Overall rating: 3 and 3/4 crowns
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