Kelley Swindall | You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want Review

By Tom Faddis

Kelley Swindall was born and raised in steaming hot Stone Mountain, Georgia. Swindall grew up listening to Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, and David Allen Coe with her parents, and in her own time, she listened to the Atlanta oldies station, Fox 97. In middle school came the sounds of Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Meredith Brooks, and Lisa Loeb, and in high school, she added Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, Dylan, The Band, and Skynyrd to the mix. In 2006, Swindall moved to New York City to study theater. All of those musical sounds and attention to tell a story combined in Swindall’s music. Her southern background gave her singing an authentic country sound that she pairs with bluesy folk and old school country sensibility, inspired by the outlaw tradition, and deeply rooted in story songs and talking blues. The Americana artist is now releasing her new album You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want.

Swindall opens with attitude with “I Ain’t For You, You Ain’t For Me.” Her distinctive voice floats over the bluesy rockabilly sound. Her lyrics are well-written, and the song flows through many sections. Her singing and delivery have a touch of the dramatic theater delivery in it, which pulls you into the storyline of her lyrics. The band is tight, and the groove is there, the mix is a little rough, but that adds to her old school rebel appeal.

“You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want” pulls out her old school country influence. She speaks the verses, which are filled with wit, charm, and emotion. The chorus is smooth and sweet as the pedal steel supports Swindall’s singing. The vocal harmonies are subtle and supportive. The harmonica solo adds to the song’s charm and character and shows another side of this talented musician. The song has a good flow and builds to a beautiful ending.

You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want is twelve engaging songs with Swindall’s Southern charm. Her girl next door singing and looks are charming. Her ability to write catchy melodies and lyrics of depth will creep-up on you with each passing phrase. Swindall says, “This album is a collection of songs documenting my journey over the last ten years—one of heartache, heartbreak, love, and loss as a Southern transplant making her home in New York City.” That honesty and sincerity of expression makes You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want a good listen.

About the author

Tom Faddis