Bradley Burgess | rawr reviews
Contrary to popular belief, “The Voice” season 1 finalist Dia Frampton did NOT come out of nowhere. Previously, Frampton and her sister Meg made names for themselves in their appropriately named band Meg & Dia with hits like “Roses,” “Masterpiece” and “Monster” — the latter of which is more known for its’ dubstep remix.
Now that she’s solo, Frampton is quick to set herself apart from her previous ventures in a good way. This was immediately evidenced by her solo album “Red” with the first track “Don’t Kick the Chair”— an uplifting song with a fun beat provided by Kid Cudi. Yes, Frampton’s bubbly voice is left intact, but her songwriting has evolved to allow her equally bubbly personality to shine through much more then with Meg & Dia’s work.
“Red” is far lighter in tone than, say, Meg & Dia’s moody album “Something Real.” Songs like “Walk Away,” “Isabella” and “Good Boy” are all but destined for summer radio fun. Even “Billy the Kid” (a throwback tribute to the famous outlaw on which Foster the People’s Mark Foster has a writing credit) is a fun, upbeat extension of Frampton herself. Her “Voice” mentor Blake Shelton stops by on “I Will” — a country themed friendship song that is a prime example on great duet.
But what we’re all here for is Frampton’s soul filled voice, which is here in spades, especially on songs like “Hearts Out to Dry” which closes the album on a intimate note. Frampton’s fans will get a kick out of “Red” in that sense, despite the change in scenery from her previous efforts. But for listeners who’ve never heard of Frampton’s work, “Red” is a great intro that will have them begging for more.