Kaitlyn Anderson’s EP, A New Word For Over Climbs the Indie Pop/Rock Charts
Pop Rock artist Kaitlyn Anderson’s new single “UNHAPPY” off her debut EP A New Word for Over was the most added single at top 40 radio on the Indie charts with New Music Weekly magazine. “A New Word for Over” was officially released on May 9, 2008. Kaitlyn started singing at three years old. As a child, she was inspired by Bette Midler’s powerful vocals, and Amy Grant’s moving lyrics. She also liked the catchy tunes of the Beach Boys. Kaitlyn has cultivated her style in the debut EP A New Word for Over. Kaitlyn’s lyrics are emotional, many of which come from her past tumultuous relationships and her journey through making difficult life decisions when following her dreams. When asked how she comes up with her lyrics:
“I take an idea, like pressure and think of ways I feel pressure in life. Running out of time for me was a big one. So I drew a clock and an hour glass symbolizing time… that turned into grains of sand and ticking clocks like I was on the clock and running out of time.” – Kaitlyn Anderson
A New Word for Over is an easy blend of rock and pop. The first track is titled “So Much Better.” It has a catchy hook an upbeat groove, and Kaitlyn lives up to her songwriting. “I’m ever so much better without you.” She achieves the vibe that after a 
breakup, the jilted partner feels angry, and it comes through in her very clear, yet agitated vocals. Track 2, “Unhappy” is a mid-tempo cut, again with the similar theme of breakup. She uses clever lyrics like “fit my life in just one suitcase,” “I can’t be unhappy for you.” On Track 3, “Don’t Know How,” Anderson pleads with her boyfriend to give her something to help her forgive him. This cut is a bit wordy for my taste. However, it does have nice changes. The bridge takes you away for a few bars—then the hook “Baby, if you . . .” drives the song home. Kaitlyn introduces the only ballad “Walk Away,” where musicianship is the best of the bunch. The arrangement is tasteful, and the song itself is full of catchy hooks. You’re lulled by a tasteful guitar solo, and Kaitlyn’s voice really shines. Track 5, “Pressure,” is an upbeat guitar-laden song very reminiscent of a classic yet softer Pat Benatar back in the day, but the guitars dictate that there should be more edge. However, the arrangement itself falls short of delivering that needed grit, and Kaitlyn’s vocals remain in a safe zone. I can hear this song on a Saturday morning kids show, but not on pop/rock mainstream radio. Track 6, “Paralyzed Me,” opens with heavy guitars played opposite a psychedelic riff that definitely takes you back to early 80s pop/rock. This is my least favorite cut. The songwriting doesn’t have the depth as it does on the other tracks, but Anderson does a good job delivering the message.
Kaitlyn Anderson moves me with her vocals, and most of the time she is spot on. I don’t really hear her influences (Bette Midler) in her voice, but that could be seen as a good thing. She has managed to cultivate her own style. The production on her EP is very professional and the sonic quality could fool anyone into thinking this was anything but an Indie project. Over all, I give this 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. Kudos to you, Kaitlyn and your team for a polished EP.
The Personnel:
Kaitlyn Anderson – Lead Vocals, Backgrounds, Writer and Co-Writer on all songs
Eric Kambestad – Drum and Drum Arrangements Guillermo Guerrero – Guitars, Backgrounds, Musical Arrangements
Visit www.myspace.com/kaitlynandersonmusic to learn more about Kaitlyn Anderson.
Reviewed by Sean McKenzie
