Garland's Erin McCarley Issues Sparkling Debut Album

OK.  So, it's been awhile since Erin McCarley called North Texas her home, but that has never stopped me from tooting the horn of a local girl, or guy for that matter, who has done good.  

And done good she has.

On Jan. 6 McCarley, a native of Garland currently residing in Nashville, Tenn., released her debut album, "Love, Save the Empty," following a two-year production period.

In short, the largely autobiographical album is well written, deftly produced and overall very catchy.  The universal appeal is evidenced by McCarley's music making the rounds on pop-laden shows like Grey's Anatomy and Ghost Whisperer. Also, if you've been paying attention to the previews for the upcoming movie "He's Just Not That Into You," you could have heard McCarley's title track as the background in the trailer.

So, she's movin' on up.

Now, I said "deftly produced," but don't mistake that to mean that the attractive, blue-eyed brunette McCarley is just a recorded voice masterfully tweaked and manipulated in the studio.  She is a songwriter who appreciates the art of a good lyric. McCarley said that as she honed her skills she would spend 12 hours a day doing writing exercises and that her debut is a search for authenticity in herself and others.

"Once I discovered songwriting it became an addiction," McCarley said. "Most nights I'd end up with an unfinished song.  But when the day would come when all the pieces would align, and I'd know this is a song for people to hear, there is no better release in the world."

At times, McCarley is reminiscent of a variety of popular female singers -- Anna Nalick, Michelle Branch, Sara Bareillis and Fiona Apple come to mind, though she has more depth than Branch and isn't as angry with her failings or sorrow as Apple.  Comparisons aside, McCarley isn't forging any new ground musically, but the sound and emotional, honest message behind the music is definitely her own.

"It's hard for me to write about being happy," McCarley said. "I don't prefer being sad, but it's a real spot for me.  I'm not this dark, sulking person, though I'm not bubbly by any means either.  I guess it comes down to the fact that I'm not afraid of being sad."

McCarley lists Apple as an influence because she appreciates how true and raw the lyrics are.  She isn't far off of her inspiration's mark, especially in the album's fourth track, "Lovesick Mistake," a melodic song delivered with a breathy elegance that beautifully conveys the pain of new love lost.

The title track, McCarley said, is about the effects stemming from a lack of role models in a parentless world while "Sleepwalking" profiles a cynic that can't see cynicism directed back his own way.  Of course, there are spirit-boosting love songs included as well.

McCarley's 11-track album is available now.  To hear it live, head over to the House of Blues on May 14.

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