Gifted Canadian vocalist Kellylee Evans’ latest album I Remember When follows up a Juno Award-winning effort, Nina. I Remember When offers a mix of R&B and jazz among other styles, resulting in a captivating, eclectic listen. Exceptional originals grace the effort, including funky opener “My Name Is”. Interestingly on “My Name Is”, Evans never breaks a sweat vocally, maintaining poise. Similarly, standout “I Remember When” is amped up in soul, yet Evans never entertains unnecessary vocal histrionics.
Arguably as alluring if not more so as the originals are a number of covers, all stamped with Evans’ handprint. A dynamic take on John Legend’s “Ordinary People” is a clear winner, not to mention a transformative interpretation of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” – an unexpected smash. Keeping her hip-hop chops on point, Evans closes the album ambitiously tackling Kanye West’s “Amazing”. Ultimately, I Remember When proves to be a winner through and through.