Kim Carnes Album: “Chasin Wild Trains”

Honestly, I had given up hope of Kim Carnes ever releasing another album, but I am thrilled to have been wrong! This new CD is by far the best album she has ever released! And she co-wrote the whole thing and produced it herself! Wonderful music!

The album has a strong country-rock flavor to it, much like one would expect from Lucinda Williams, Juice Newton or Rosanne Cash, but Carnes crafts a sound all her own. Plus her voice is better than ever, with just the right amount of gruff, purity and vulnerability. I am crazy about every song on this CD, but I am especially fond of "If I Was An Angel"; I was familiar with the beautiful version by Matraca Berg, but Carnes' cover blows me away. There is so much depth and power in her voice. I recommend this CD to any Kim Carnes fan, and anyone who enjoys country-rock!

WOW. CDs don't get much better than this.

I first noticed Kim when I was a senior in high school and Bette Davis Eyes was THE huge hit of the time. But it's taken many years and many CDs for Kim to break away from the typical CD of the times to bring out truly timeless music.

The music is so relaxed and so far removed from the techno, nervous songs of the 80s. Unfortunately, I believe some loved the 80 Kim too much and can't fully appreciate what she is doing now.

I'm going to back away from the idea of mentioning what I think are the best songs on the CD. I don't think I could if I tried. After constant listening since the CD arrived about a week ago, I have to say this is a very rare CD. Each song is first rate.

The songs are raw and emotional. Each one very carefully crafted and yet recorded freely with the spirit and voice that can only come from Kim.

thats IT! the voice..the spirit..from the first vocals on this cd she had me again.......must have.

This is her first album since 1991's Checkin' Out The Ghosts (released only in Japan).

This is not an album of standards or covers of classic rock (what I would call as an "easy fast selling formula").

Kim worked very hard. She produced or co-produced all tracks. She wrote or co-wrote all songs too. This is an independent album made by an independent woman. There's no external interference on her new work. She chose the repertoire, the musicians, the best way to sing, the pictures of art work, etc.

She also plays keyboard in "Lucid Dreams" and "Runaway." The 12 new tracks show she's lost nothing of her vocal power or range. Kim's voice is quite a bit more raspy, like you hear on her 90's recordings ("Above The Waterline" - the Baywatch theme, "Love Hurts," "Bad Bad Lerow Brown," for exemple).

"Chasin Wild Trains" is a mature album, a strong record. Kim pens and performs her songs with great beauty and feeling. The band plays admirably! Some tracks are no surprise for Kim's fans. She has played live some tunes as "If I Was An Angel" (recorded by Matraca Berg in her 1997' album), "All About Time," "One Beat At A Time" and "Stepped Right In It'. As the public tasted and approved these tracks, Kim recorded them.

All tracks talk about love. Second Kim, "love ain't a matter of exact science / can't predict where it's goin'" (from "Stepped Right In It" lyrics). So this explains her several kinds of mood during the 12 songs.

Every song tells a love story. Kim wrote about a woman who is completely confused in "You Make My Skin Burn" after spending a night on room 322 at Delano Hotel. Must be a case of mistaken identity. Anyway, she would find the right person on the next song: "Still Warmed By The Thrill"!

My favorite track is "Goodnight Angel." I've played over and over again. It's a pretty ballad. I love Kim spelling "Caroline SSSSSSSSSSSSun". The instrumental is killer! Billy Panda and Tom Bukovack are my guitar heroes! Tim Lauer is one of the best keyboard players of all time. This song could be a theme of some brazilian soup opera. It would be a smash hit.

Another song I play over and over again is "Just To See You Smile". Perfect pop! I loved the lyrics. It's my song!

Kim also sings hard rock in "You Made My Skin Burn". Craig Crampf (from early Kim's band) plays drummer on both songs. Great job!

The "cult" track is "Runaway". It sounds like a soundtrack. The musicians must be played very and very hard. I loved it! And Kim plays keyboard on this tune! I am so proud Kim plays soooo good! I am also so proud with her singing and songwriting talent.

I hope Kim doesn't stop the recording career. She has enough stuff for more albums. I hope she includes "We Can Turn This Love Around" (duet with Greg Barnhill) and "You Don't Love Me Anymore" on her next album.

Pop has never been that good after Kim Carnes. Chasin' Wild Trains is a full display of control, voice and style. Tracks that will delight you with that still powerful, raspy and warm voice. A must have album for all who enjoys quality music. C'mon Kim give us more, we love you!