Album Reviews

Outside, September 2009
Maverick Magazine (UK)

“ ***** (five stars). How much praise can you heap on one album?”

How much praise can you heap on one album?

Melbourne based Chloe Hall is one of those rare singer/songwriters who can make even the simplest of songs sound so beautiful and emotive. Chloe’s music is delicate yet extremely powerful. Listeners to this new album will literally want to dive in.

Chloe’s song writing talents marvel those of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Lucy Kaplansky. Her vocals remind me of Nanci Griffith at times and Lucy Kaplansky at others.

OUTSIDE is full of wonderful harmonies and gorgeous music. In Australia Chloe Hall is a household name amongst fans of contemporary/alternative folk and has been compared with the likes of Beth Orton, The Corrs and Dido. The album begins with title song Outside, engaging and beautiful. It highlights perfectly Chloe’s gentle musical style. I’m Still Here has a real folk sound to it, despite being modern in style, there is something strangely old-fashioned about it. I am reminded fleetingly of Mary Black. Dance With Me is a slow dreamy song sung with passionate vocals. Each song on the album is perfect in every way possible. The final song on the album is entitled Born In The Morning. This is an amazing song sung with great passion. The lyrics are very sentimental, a simple song that will bring a tear to the eye.

Overall this is a fantastic album brimming with possibility.