Cheryl Wheeler - Defying Gravity (CD)

Masterfully crafted songs

By Joe  Dec 3, 2005

Pros: Very strong album with plenty of good lyrics and music to ponder

Cons: She seems more serene, thoughtful and introspective with this project

Playing Time – 44:04 -- Dreamy electric guitar tones open “Defying Gravity,” singer/songwriter Cheryl Wheeler’s first studio album since 1999. With the exception of Jesse Winchester’s title cut, all songs were written by Wheeler, and the six-yea...r wait is well worth it. While a singer/songwriter could fall into the trap of rushing out mediocre material to meet self-imposed deadlines, Cheryl’s new masterfully crafted songs are clearly ready for release. Her lyrics color some intriguing auralscapes. Some of her songs are somber meditations about life, and the CD’s jacket gives us all the lyrics to read and reflect upon. Sung from the heart, Cheryl’s themes revolve around loneliness brought on by the death of her father (“Since You’ve Been Gone”), heartache (“Must Be Sinking Now”), and inner turmoil (“Beyond the Lights”). “Summer’s Almost Over” is a sad nostalgic tale of a season changing and time passing. “On the Plane” and “It’s the Phone” are both funny and cynical pieces that were recorded live at The Bottom Line in New York. With wry wit, she’s full of humorous lines like “The air that you’re breathing’s been re-circulating since Orville and Wilbur were boys…” And the song is nice respite even though it was dropped from her setlist for quite some time following 9/11. “Alice” describes a hardworking Minnesota campground host and hotel desk clerk who is full of wanderlust. An instrumental, “Clearwater, Florida,” allows Cheryl to showcase her fine and delicate fingerpicking. Somewhat of a concept album, “Defying Gravity” has a more laid-back and somber tone than some previous releases. She seems more serene, thoughtful and introspective with this project. Tasteful use of guitar, percussion, bass, vibes and keyboards permeates the instrumentation. “Defying Gravity” is a very strong album with plenty of good lyrics and music to ponder. After listening to a nostalgic closing piece like “Blessed,” one will want to reflect upon their own childhood memories and of Jesus and his love. Thus, Cheryl Wheeler succeeds in motivating, inspiring and entertaining us with her music. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon) Read more Less