Jenna "Barefoot and Eager" (Hands On Music 2007)

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Looking at the front cover of Jenna’s debut album ‘Barefoot and Eager’, it’s easy to generalise her as yet another pop singer with a guitar. Indeed, a look at the song writing credits shows that some of the songs are written by Steve Knightley, and I will admit that a groan escaped my lips when I was faced with listening to the album for the first time. Yet the album is surprisingly good, more so in fact than you’d expect from a seemingly simple pretty girl with a guitar in her hand.

Jenna’s vocals are superb throughout, the reason for her signing abundantly clear straight away. However, it’s the strength of the song writing that stops this album from becoming a dull, clichéd piece of pop. ‘You’re Mine’ is started with a great acoustic guitar sound; violins and backing vocals add dimensions to the song as it goes along. ‘Flora’ works great in its simplicity, and Jenna’s voice really excels in this piece.

At times the album does lapse into sloppiness, some bad lyrics feeling empty when sung. Jenna also seems extremely alone when left with just a single instrument to accompany her. Apart from that the album is a pleasant one to listen to, and can even change the views of this ignorant listener.

Date review added:  Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Reviewer:  Aled Roberts
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Myspace page