CD Review of The Orange Album by Stefy

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The Orange Album
starstarstarstarno star Label: Windup
Released: 2006
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There is a new kid on the block in the vein of Gwen Stefani, Debbie Harry, Dale Bozzio, or Terri Nunn. Her name is Stefy Rae, and the band that bears her name is going to be one that will make an impact on the pop music community in a way a female rocker hasn’t in quite some time. Rae is hot, she can sing, and has a band behind her that flat out rocks out with songs that are equally melodic and memorable. The band’s debut, The Orange Album, is a collection of eleven songs that are so catchy you’ll find yourself humming them after about one and a half listens. It’s also a throwback to the days of synthesizer-infused new wave that made Berlin and Missing Persons larger than life in the eighties.

The album kicks off with “Chelsea,” the first single that sets up the ear candy that ensues. And while the lyrics are going to appeal mostly to teenagers, Rae has a sexy growl that shows she is all woman. Never is that more evident than in “Hey School Boy.” If there is a video for this song, I can’t wait to see it.

Then there are the songs that are a bit scaled back but full of melodic flair, like “Love You to Death” and “Orange County,” the latter having the potential to be a theme song for the current MTV generation. Other standout tracks are “Where the Boys Are” and “Pretty Little Nightmare,” which are the kind of songs you’ll want to blast from your car, especially if traveling along Interstate 5 in Southern California. “Orange Crush” is another synth-powered pop ditty that is going to stick to your ears like some kind of orange goo.

There is definitely a resurgence of female-fronted rock bands these days, and Stefy is going to find its rightful place alongside newcomers like Saving Jane. Whether or not you get the whole teen-driven, orange theme going on, you can’t deny that this band has the trifecta of songs, sex appeal and musicianship. Stefy’s star is going to rise and stay put for a long time – The Orange Album is simply the first color in its rainbow.

~Mike Farley