Dia Frampton — 鈥楻ed’
You don’t always have to come in first place to be a winner. Just ask Dia Frampton if being the runner up on NBC’s “The Voice” has put a damper on her music aspirations. It would appear that her exposure on the show has only strengthened her musical stock. Coached by country superstar Blake Shelton during “The Voice,” audiences had the chance to experience the Utah native’s charm as she delivered impressive renditions of Kanye West’s “Heartless” and R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” After her performance, Universal Republic Records signed her and released her first solo album. “Red” captures the 24-year-old’s charismatic charm as she displays a crafty knack for delivering a diversified set of arrangements that sample elements of folk, country, dance and pop.
The album’s first single, “The Broken Ones,” showcases the genuineness of Frampton’s tender vocals, adding heartfelt inspiration to this powerful ballad about looking past our imperfections and finding love and acceptance despite visible flaws. Rapper Kid Cudi adds some hip-hop flair to the otherwise infectiously poppy “Don’t Kick the Chair” as the two artists blend effortlessly into each other for one stylishly smooth number. Frampton appears to be at her best when paired with Shelton on the beautifully uplifting “I Will.”
With “Red,” Frampton proves that she can handle several different musical styles without missing a single beat. Her distinct sound puts me in mind of a young Kate Bush when I first heard “The Kick Inside” back in 1978. If “Red” is a true indication of the singer’s talent, then Frampton will surely prove that her fame is not fleeting. Frampton will be opening for Blake Shelton on his “Well Lit and Amplified Tour 2012” starting this month.