Kathleen Edwards Album Reviews

Kathleen Edwards was born in Ottawa but spent part of her youth in Korea and Switzerland with her diplomat father. She grew up playing classical violin and enjoying the music of Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Edwards skipped college to pursue a career as a musician. After playing SWSX in 2002 she signed a record deal and enjoyed an international release for her debut album Failer. She left the music business to run a cafe named Quitters but returned with Total Freedom in 2020.

With her stripped-back rootsy sound, economical songwriting, and wry humour, Edwards is reminiscent of Freedy Johnston. She’s less eclectic, with most of her records sticking in the alt-country lane, but more consistent.

Kathleen Edwards Album Reviews

Failer

2002, 8.5/10
Edwards originally released Failer independently in 2002. It was released in the States nine months later, where she gained exposure from appearing on Late Night with David Letterman.

Failer was recorded on a 16-track machine, with mostly first takes and few overdubs. Producer Dave Draves estimates the record cost less than $3,000 to make. It’s simple but effective – the songwriting’s strong, and Jim Bryson’s lead guitar provides some muscle.

Failer is a confident start to Edwards’ career. It starts well with ‘Six O’Clock News’ and ‘One More Song the Radio Won’t Like’. She’s a strong lyricist – from ‘Six O’Clock News’, “you spend half your life trying to turn the other half around” is a great line.

She’s also effective when she mellows out. Third track ‘Hockey Skates’ dials back the intensity, but features more great lines: “I am tired of playing defense/I don’t even have hockey skates”. ‘Mercury’ is another highlight, spare and pretty.

Failer is an impressive debut from Edwards.

10 Best Kathleen Edwards Songs

Six O’Clock News
Hockey Skates
Mercury