The aesthetic seems to be right, but I just can’t really buy into her act. Kelly Sweet, on her debut We Are One, definitely shows promise for a talented songstress-songwriter, but it seems as though there is still work to be done. Her voice is incredible, it’s just a shame she hasn’t quite decided how to best use it. There’s not really a fanbase for the next indie-Celine Dion (maybe not the best description, but it will do), and it is for this reason I find most of We Are One to be a tad humdrum. Songs like “Dream On” (yes, an Aerosmith cover) are conceptually great ideas, but even this track limps to the finish. Nevertheless, Sweet seems most comfortable with arrangements like “Raincoat”, where she floats between Norah Jones and Mariah Carey (trust me, not a terrible combo). The album is worth a look–not a long one at that–but I’d be more interested to hear what’s going to be next for the burgeoning vocalist.

I could be wrong–go and get a copy of We Are One and see for yourself.
Listen to “Raincoat” (4.5/5)
Listen to “How ‘Bout You” (4.5/5)