Just a minute ago, Kelsy Karter dropped a new single, called “God Knows I’ve Tried.” It’s a bluesy, gospel-flavored tune with tender colors surging into hefty rock.
Karter, who began as a pop diva, released “Too Many Hearts To Break,” a definite doo-woppy pop song, which was when she realized pop wasn’t her thing. She wanted to be a rock star. In pursuit of a singular sound, Karter collaborated with Cage The Elephant, Alex Da Kid, and Micky James.
Describing her sound as “blue-eyed rock n’ roll,” Karter released “Sad Sad Summer,” a creamy powerful ballad.
Born in New Zealand, and now based in Los Angeles, Karter’s influences include Queen, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, which she merges with her defiant badass attitude, as well as oodles of talent and rock diva vocals. Her contrary personality pervades “God Knows I’ve Tried.”
“I’ve spent my whole life being rebellious and doing what people told me not to do. And when you have that kind of spirit, somebody always gets hurt. I guess “God Knows I’ve Tried” is just my apology letter in the form of a rock and roll ballad,” says Karter.
“God Knows I’ve Tried” opens with radiant gentle guitars and Karter’s gorgeous voice. Imbued with tinges of gospel savors, creamy vocal harmonies instill the tune with cashmere sonority. A deliciously crying guitar wail presages the swell of the harmonics into an all-out gospel-hued rock ballad.
Be sure to listen for the Mississippi-blues-flavored piano, as well as the Lynyrd Skynyrd-laced guitar aromas, full of delightful sparks of Southern color.
Karter’s voice, initially twangy and soft, exudes dulcet tones and shimmering textures. As the melody builds, her tone assumes brawny muscularity, cascading with momentum and infectious passion. When the choir-like harmonies kick in, Karter’s voice soars to celestial heights.
“God Knows I’ve Tried” is superb. The slow expansion and final release of the music is scrumptious.
