amy gordon - waiting on go

Amy Gordon 

Waiting On Go
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Amy Gordon is a gifted songwriter from the LA area who recently released a full-length album called Waiting on Go. At first listen some of the songs may seem a bit cheesy but truth be told Gordon has created a album that has some heartfelt songs that along with Gordon’s good voice leaves you with a pleasant experience. The lyrics are very straightforward leaving little to the imagination. Although you won't find many metaphors or puns it’s obvious that what she sings about is from personal experience.

The music throughout is varied and is hit and miss throughout the record. The biggest issue I had was that the production lacked on certain songs. For example, the snare drum laid too low in the mix on “Fall” and the effects on Gordon’s voice on “I Can See You” caused the low end to sound muffled. Overall the production missteps are minor compared to the things she does right on this album.

The album opens with “One Door Opens,” which in my opinion wasn't the strongest track on the album but would probably serve best as the single because it is upbeat, optimistic and catchy. ”Waiting On Go” is a song that dabbles into Gordon’s insomnia as she sings “It’s 5AM, my mind’s racing again. I might as well stay awake. I’m watching a traffic light off in the distance, back and forth green to red. Maybe I’m waiting for something. Maybe I’m waiting for nothing. All I know is I’m still waiting on go.” The song is a bit melancholy and works because of it as she sings against a soft piano melody. “I Can See You” contains creative percussive elements while “Could Save” has an inspired vocal performance and some very welcome electronic elements and delay effects that reminded me slightly of music you might of heard from Bjork. 

Another highlight was “Fall,” which revolves around bass and a cascading synth line. I enjoyed Gordon’s lower register as she sings “ Vivid colors, faded pictures, either one is fine, either one. Past or present, or the future, you can be in all or you can be in none.”

It’s obvious from listening to this album that Gordon is talented although some of her songs have this “Disney” type feel to them that may be a turnoff. The best part about the record is that Gordon isn’t hiding behind anything and sings about it unapologetically. Give it a shot.

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