I've Fallen So Far

Stewart Kenny

I’ve Fallen So Far

Angela Macari O’Looney

This enjoyable collection of songs, all original compositions are well written with simple but memorable melody lines.
Stewart Kenny is a young singer/songwriter who hails from Dublin. He began composing songs with his father at the tender age of fourteen. He later formed a band called The Noonday Guns, gigging in Whelan’s and The Sugar Club.

Deciding to go solo, he released this debut album in April ’09. It has had airplay on Country Mix 106 FM, where it received high praise. I recently saw a few of his songs performed live, when he played support to Grades of Shade at Crawdaddy, Harcourt St. His tongue-in-cheek lyrics and catchy melodies attracted me and I particularly noticed that although sweet and cheerful, his music involves serious guitar chords and expert lead throughout.

Influences include a variety of styles such as Prince, Michael Jackson, KT Tunstall, Bob Dylan and Ray Lamontagne to name but a few.
In certain numbers I hear a hint of a resemblance to Garth Brookes and Don MacLean. However, this guy has a real knack for unique, imaginative pieces, where his vocal range is demonstrated to great effect. His ability to sing falsetto is exceptional and adds interest, yet he can perform the moodier songs from his set in a lower key.

There are thirteen tracks in all, each telling a story or laden with colourful descriptive lyrics. I have a few favourites among them and the first song on the album Midnight Sun is top of the list.
This reminds me of line dancing with its country feel and choppy beat. It has a catchy chorus, with close harmony that augments its charm. The lyrics are cheerful as is the lovely melody. The lead solo is sweet with sliding notes and my favourite line in it is Well their gonna have to shoot me, or tie me to a tree cause I’m never ever gonna act my age. I like this sentiment!

The second song Seize the moment begins with a pretty acoustic intro. A vibrant baseline framing it, this number has a beautiful chorus where Stewart’s vocals are excellent, trickling guitar riffs adding to the magic.

The Prom Queen is a bouncy number and has a tricky tempo. It’s a real fun sing-along piece, with a lively melody and includes splashes of harmony here and there plus a key change for the last chorus, which gives it an extra bit of oomph. I like the sarcastic tone of the lyrics; Can you finally understand why no one’s gathered round to share your sorrow? You’re just like Scarlet in the wind, hoping there will be a bright tomorrow.

The theme song I’ve fallen so far has a three four tempo and is a slow country song with a mournful feel to it. Violin and piano add to the mood and backing vocals are lovely here too. The change from minors in the verse, to majors for the chorus gives things a sense of hopefulness and the guitar solo, joined by a trickling mandolin create a perfect arrangement.

Under the Moon

In this number Stewart sings the verse in falsetto. Intricate electric guitar riffs are noticeable, as is the melody of this love song. Backing singers do angelic ‘oohs’ for this slow ballad.

Of the remaining tracks there is only one I find a little monotonous. This would be Your Lonely room.

Lovers has dramatic piano and although it has a sense of gloom in it, is an enjoyable song.

Strange

Catchy with a choppy beat and appealing chord combinations. I adore the melody and how Stewart performs it. It’s one of those songs that haunt you so that you find you are humming it everywhere you go!

Over the Edge is a soft ballad with delicious piano accompaniment and was recorded live in the studio. Stewarts excellent delivery of this number makes me think perhaps it’s one of his own favourites. You can feel his love for every note and lyric.

Only Still Fool

This number involves a plucky rhythm and is yet another philosophical piece. Harmony in the chorus gives it lots of dynamic.

All Boats will Rise

I loved this song when I saw it performed in Crawdaddy. It involves harmonic oohs for the intro and in the chorus. Guitar throughout is sweet, especially the rhythmic break. Lyrics reflect the current economic downturn and are cynical; Will they even bother searching for a drowning soul or are they too far up their own sweet ass, they won’t save a soul. I feel that the mood in the lyrics expresses what a lot of people think but don’t say about how the big wigs handle the threat of financial devastation.

Tremble has a jazzy feel to it, even though Stewart’s style is described as Acoustic/Country/Pop. I adore this moody number where chord combos are a treat, the melody line seductive, bass is divine, the lead solo to die for. There’s a sudden stop!
It resumes with rhythmic chords taking things to a close. I commend the clever use of a backing vocal singing the chorus in a high octave, while Stewart sings in the lower.

Jenny

This is a sad ballad about the loss of a lover to death. That’s what I gather from the lyrics anyway. The melody is pretty, but guitar is the high point in it for me, with a perfect solo that takes it to completion.
An unexpected surprise at the end of the album is a magical song called Just add ‘em to the rain. Maybe he’s superstitious, but whatever his reason for not mentioning it and just throwing it in as an afterthought makes it a nicer treat. It’s about a guy with a broken heart who is given advice from his cruel hearted ex. Lovely distortion laden guitar chords give this slow piece fullness and I like the last line ‘Baby blue is laughing in the rain.’

Stewart and his father Tommy seem to have put a lot into this project and the result is thirteen beautiful tracks and one bonus, each with rich guitar and piano input and the superb voice of Stewart leading each. How he could top this compilation with a better one I don’t know. I have only seen him once live and it was an acoustic set. But having heard his music at its best I would definitely be watching out for a chance to see him headlining some day soon.