I Mean To Shine
Omnivore, 2022
9/10
In 1970, the 19 year old singer-songwriter Linda Hoover recorded this debut album with the help of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. However, the album was shelved due to business issues, and, until now, has only existed on a copy that Hoover took when she left New York to retreat to her parent’s home in Florida.
The title track opens with warm horns and stirring piano, as elegant strings complement Hoover’s pretty, expressive pipes, and “Turn My Friend Away” follows with graceful acoustic strumming as Hoover hits some very high notes with her flawless delivery.
Further on, the bare intimacy of “Autumn” unfolds with a timeless folk quality, while “In A Station” uses guitar and drums strategically amid soulful backing vocals with a nearly gospel feel.
Approaching the end, “City Mug” is bright and playful with meticulous guitar, crisp drumming and well timed brass, and “The Dove” exits the listen showcasing the depth of Hoover’s voice in a dreamy, moving finish.
Hoover actually made the leap from high school talent show discovery to a record deal that, very unfortunately, fell apart due to circumstances beyond her control. “I Mean To Shine” was actually recorded by Barbra Streisand about a year after Hoover tracked her version, and there’s little doubt if this album were released it would have resonated quite well, cause 50+ years later, it still sounds great.
Travels well with: Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way; Lynne Hanson- Just Words