Rhona Kelley may be a freshman to the music scene, but her charming debut, Quite Contrary, proves she is ready to graduate top of the class. Though taking cues from folk greats like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, Kelley brings something distinctly hers to the genre. The songs are breezy without being shallow and give Kelley's voice room to contract and expand.

For much of Quite Contrary, Kelley plays a romantic who hopes for a fairy tale ending. However, she refuses to play the damsel in distress and makes it clear she will keep chasing her dreams with or without a significant other. The standout track, "Run, Run, Run," defies the "ring by spring" phenomenon with cheeky lyrics like, "I've no white lace for my head, I'm gonna find a better way to win my bread."

Quite Contrary is both smart and easy to listen to, and Kelley's voice plays a starring role. Fans of Fiona Apple, Leigh Nash, and any of the aforementioned artists will want to add Rhona Kelley to their music collection. With a debut this strong, Kelley is an artist to keep an eye on.

- Review date: 8/17/10, written by Laura Love of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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Record Label: None
Album length: 10 tracks: 36 minutes, 36 seconds
Street Date: June 16, 2010
Buy It: Amazon.com

1. Hoping For My Name (3:09)
2. When You Kissed Me (2:57)
3. When You Go (4:06)
4. What Else Could I Want (2:57)
5. Run Run Run (2:52)
6. My Own True Love (3:28)
7. Go On (4:49)
8. Let It Be (3:28)
9. Quite Contrary (3:46)
10. Never Mind It (5:04)