Color Outside The Lines
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Color Outside The Lines
This sophomore album from the singer-songwriter Jim Stanard brings in producer extraordinaire Kip Winger as well as Afghan Whigs guitarist Jon Skibic, among others, to a very genuine and well thought out record where Stanard’s expressive voice illuminates his imaginative storytelling.
“Home” starts the listen vocally strong as Bethany and Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary) lend their sturdy pipes on the smooth folk song, and “Same River” follows with a warm Americana spirit as Standard’s bright story telling benefits greatly from breezy melodies.
Near the middle, “Arkansas” brings Bethany and Peter back to the rootsy album highlight, while “Fake News” moves with a quicker pace of country influenced rock you won’t forget anytime soon. “Color Outside The Lines”, another noteworthy track, then displays Stanard’s soulful vocals amid soaring song craft.
Deeper still, “Each Other’s Minds” brings a playful approach with plenty of sublime, organic instrumentation, and “Soft And Gentle Smile” exits the listen with a flowing, romantic delivery of timeless songwriting.
Stanard is clearly very much influenced by the sounds of the ‘60s, and his lifetime of experiences help him create emotionally mature and easily relatable tunes that will certainly age as well as his creative vision has.
Travels well with: Philip Scott Poli- One Sky; Gordon Thomas Ward- Eiderdown