I Love My Life
Heyday Again, 2025
8/10
The esteemed poet and songwriter Stephen J. Kalinich pens a collaborative effort, where spoken word and instrumentation meet at a very forthright intersection.
The layered vocals and warm keys of “Preamble” starts the listen with a nearly gospel feel, and “Today” follows with spoken word that explores the sometimes difficult aspects of daily life.
Closer to the middle, the soft acoustic guitar of “Beyond Frightened” is paired with emotive singing, while “The First One To Heal Is Yourself” spotlights LuAnn Olson’s expressive voice via the intimate and soulful climate.
Landing close to the end, the gorgeous duet “Across Bridges” finds a lush place to reside, and “I Love My Life” exits with poetry amid dreamy guitar and grateful lyrics that are heartfelt and on the cusp of tears.
Kalinich has a very impressive resume that includes working with Brian Wilson and his songs have been performed by Paul McCartney, Steve Cropper and Diane Ross, plus others. In this often bare setting, he explores homelessness, aging and narcissism with much passion, and it’s very effective in drawing the listener in to his vulnerable song craft.
Travels well with: Jeffrey Runnings- Piqued; Rain Parade- Crashing Dream (Deluxe)