//Limelight Spotlight: Amy MacDonald//

August 20, 2008 by Amanda Bradshaw
Filed under Limelight Spotlight

Importing goods. It’s the American way. Automobile parts, toys, oil, great musicians. It’s what we do and we’re not stopping anytime soon. Another great import from Europe is making her debut in the U.S. in a major way this week. Her name is Amy MacDonald.

Her debut album on Decca Records, This is the Life, is a perfect folk/country/pop mix. This 20-year-old blue-eyed singer/songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland is following in the footsteps of a welcomed new breed: people with real musical talent. After years of us music fans being bombarded with over-produced songs written by (may as well be) the same person, we welcome the Amy MacDonalds into our lives with open arms. Like fellow folk singer Bob Dylan, MacDonald’s voice is an acquired taste. It is one that is unique, but is softened by her story-telling lyrics and guitar playing talent.

In the song “LA,” one of the more pop-sounding songs on the album, Amy shows that her voice has more than one color to it. Her voice in the bridge of the song brings a vulnerability that is not immediately apparent on the other songs. Her voice is soft, soothing and comforting, then dives right back into that smokey mature voice that will no doubt be her trademark.

The first single “Mr. Rock & Roll” has an influence of Jewel and the Dixie Chicks. A foot-tapping, beer-drinking song that is catchy as hell. The simple tune will get you at least humming along with the lyrics and the infectious bluegrass styled guitar rifts.

Amy comes to us already a success story overseas. Life bumped Radiohead out of the number one slot when it was released in the U.K. in January 2008–a huge feat for any artist, let alone a new one. It’s gone on to sell 700,000 copies. The album was not just number one in the U.K, but also hit the top spot in Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Not to mention making an appearance in the Top 20 in Germany, Ireland, Austria, Belgium and Greece. Not bad!

Amy MacDonald and her debut album is surely worth a listen. She’s bringing a new sound for our generation, one that will probably have Radio Disney lovers scratching their heads. But whether you like folk/country or not, you’ll tap your foot anyway – she doesn’t give you a choice.

This is the Life is in stores now.

Checkout the video for “Mr. Rock & Roll” below: