Colbie Caillat – 鈥楢ll of You’
After slowly losing my struggle to maintain sanity during the latest heat wave, I fortunately (and in the nick of time) stumbled across “All of You” by songstress Colbie Caillat. The light and airy arrangements associated with the Malibu native aren’t normally the type of music I gravitate toward. However, the third studio album by the talented 26-year-old playfully whisks away the pressures of the day with a collection of casually uncomplicated songs delivered in a carefree fashion. I’ve been a big fan of the Beach Boys since first grade, so it was relatively easy to soak in the summery sound Caillat was dishing out.
The artist with the girl-next-door looks and genuine flirty voice has a knack for drawing you in as easily as the soft glow of carnival lights in the distance attract the attention of small children. “Brighter Than the Sun” opens the album with a rousing acoustic guitar and catchy handclaps crafted to instantly melt away the worries of the day and place a smile, or at least a grin, on any melancholy melon. “I Do” follows with an acoustic beginning reminiscent of the dazzling Pousette-Dart Band arrangements of the 1970s, smoothly transitioning into a peppy little love song with a sing-along chorus made for spontaneous car rides with the top down.
It’s no surprise that “All of You” is a package of slick production. The easygoing material gets the production experience of Caillat’s father, Ken, who co-produced Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and “Tusk.” Caillat is also willing to break her flourishing relaxed formula as she discovers her Beyonce groove while performing collaboration with rapper Common on “Favorite Song.” Caillat continues to mature as an artist with each new album by adding varying nuances to each offering. “All of You” is an all-out effort by a singer who proves to be as easy on the eyes as the ears by effortlessly managing to capture a little bit of sunshine in every song she sings.