Kiana Meradith's youthful voice is what makes her music so appealing. Her approach to music, and her singing voice are different from anyone else in the industry, and she puts the 'Kiana Meradith' touch on anything she performs or records. This EP shows that unique approach, proudly displaying her country-pop-rock vibe and songwriting skills. From the rockier songs like the title track, to the more reflective ballads throughout the EP, Meradith marks herself as one to watch.
"Pretty and Reckless" is the first track on the EP, and the title track, similar in content to Morgan Dawson's "Rebel Child." With strong pop and electro-rock influence, this song is definitely a modern country song that would be played at a club in Nashville. Compared to the other songs on the record, this track is a low point, but still a good opening to the EP. This song seems to be describing Meradith's music more than anything else, making it a perfect title for the EP. Meradith has songs like this one, that are big and bold, and reckless in some ways, but then she has songs like "Wolves and the Moon", which show her soft spoken and pretty side.
One of the best tracks on the EP is "Love Is Fire". The intro, instrumented by banjos, sets up the song excellently. The banjos remind you that you are listening to a country EP, a nice change of pace after the first track. Although the lyrics of this song are not especially unique, Meradith's vocals and the production are top notch. Meradith seems to be in a comfortable range for this song, and her vocals stand out the most here than they do throughout the whole EP. I've spoken about the banjos already, but the harmony arrangements and the guitars complete the track, and make it joyful and 'fiery' and place Meradith back into the country music genre. One of the other highlights on the record is "Wolves and the Moon." The production continues to be incredible. Denny Martin and Wynne Adams, who produced this EP, did a fabulous job, and managed to keep Meradith's country pop sound but also add elements from other genres, like the pan flute added at the beginning of this track. Meradith's vocals, although still good, are probably the weakest on the EP here, but the lyrics in this song are just beautiful. Meradith keeps up the extended metaphor of comparing her love to the wolves and the moon, demonstrating her impressive songwriting talent.
"Not This Time " is the more traditional country teen-pop song, about high school and football games. Although not a highlight on this EP, this song does have many redeeming qualities. It has the folk pop influenced acoustic guitar during the verses, and then the country influence during the verses, which emphasizes the difference in lyrical content between the chorus and the verses. The chorus is more uplifting and romantic, which country music tends to be, and the simple production during the verses shows the simplicity of the story during the verses. The production variation and how it reflects the lyrics does make this song a worthwhile addition to this EP.
The final track of the EP, "Wild One," is when the reckless element of Meradith's music comes back in, when she is accusing her boyfriend of cheating and being a bit too wild. This song is strange, because the verses are incredible, and show off Meradiths unique style, but the chorus doesn't do much for her voice. This song, like the first song, is not remotely the best song on the EP, but rounds out the EP, and brings it in a full circle to end nicely.
Best tracks: Love is Fire, Wolves and the Moon
Throwaway tracks: Wild One
Overall rating: 4 crowns
One of the best tracks on the EP is "Love Is Fire". The intro, instrumented by banjos, sets up the song excellently. The banjos remind you that you are listening to a country EP, a nice change of pace after the first track. Although the lyrics of this song are not especially unique, Meradith's vocals and the production are top notch. Meradith seems to be in a comfortable range for this song, and her vocals stand out the most here than they do throughout the whole EP. I've spoken about the banjos already, but the harmony arrangements and the guitars complete the track, and make it joyful and 'fiery' and place Meradith back into the country music genre. One of the other highlights on the record is "Wolves and the Moon." The production continues to be incredible. Denny Martin and Wynne Adams, who produced this EP, did a fabulous job, and managed to keep Meradith's country pop sound but also add elements from other genres, like the pan flute added at the beginning of this track. Meradith's vocals, although still good, are probably the weakest on the EP here, but the lyrics in this song are just beautiful. Meradith keeps up the extended metaphor of comparing her love to the wolves and the moon, demonstrating her impressive songwriting talent.
"Not This Time " is the more traditional country teen-pop song, about high school and football games. Although not a highlight on this EP, this song does have many redeeming qualities. It has the folk pop influenced acoustic guitar during the verses, and then the country influence during the verses, which emphasizes the difference in lyrical content between the chorus and the verses. The chorus is more uplifting and romantic, which country music tends to be, and the simple production during the verses shows the simplicity of the story during the verses. The production variation and how it reflects the lyrics does make this song a worthwhile addition to this EP.
The final track of the EP, "Wild One," is when the reckless element of Meradith's music comes back in, when she is accusing her boyfriend of cheating and being a bit too wild. This song is strange, because the verses are incredible, and show off Meradiths unique style, but the chorus doesn't do much for her voice. This song, like the first song, is not remotely the best song on the EP, but rounds out the EP, and brings it in a full circle to end nicely.
Best tracks: Love is Fire, Wolves and the Moon
Throwaway tracks: Wild One
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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