PopSyndicate.com

From the land of Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen comes the next breakout act, Nicole Atkins.  Her blend of 50’s and 60’s girl group pop with 70’s Broadway doesn’t mean she’s another Amy Winehouse retread.  You could certainly draw an baseline comparison, but Atkins is far from the self-indulgent droning of Winehouse.  On her debut CD Neptune City, Nicole Atkins harkens back to her days growing up in the Garden State and brings her own form of Americana.

“Maybe Tonight” opens the album and you’ll flash on hints of the Shirelles.  The 50’s girl band sound continues throughout the CD as Atkins veers from grandiose ballads to bubble gum pop.  “The Way It Is” reminded me of a James Bond theme.  At times reminiscent of Shirley Bassey, Atkins voice is big and sultry.  “Cool Enough” takes a trip down memory lane as she remembers how care free childhood is and how disappointing adulthood can be.  “Love Surreal” has more of a modern rock soun.  It’s a welcome departure from first half of the CD, showing Atkins’ musical range.

The title track is straight off a David Lynch film.  “Neptune City” should be in his next movie.  Haunting and bittersweet, Atkins delivers the pain of broken dreams and how you can never go home again.  All the songs lead you back to her Jersey neighborhood. It’s a loving tribute to a forgotten time and place.  Each song is an experience from Atkins’ life.  Whether it be breaking up with a boyfriend (“Kill the Headlights”) or questioning your love for someone (“The Way It Is”), the universality of each song makes them instantly recognizable.

Nicole Atkins is an artist that needs to be heard.  Her voice is bold and refreshing. Neptune City doesn’t suffer from a talented artist just performing the same style song over and over again.  Atkins range and tastes vary.  She’s hard to pin down.  Few artists provide as much bang for you buck as Atkins or create a CD that is this pleasurable as Neptune City.  She is one to watch as she can only get better with age.

5