Diane King - Sky (2025) Hi-Res

Somebody knows how to unleash gut-wrenching music infused through a “Dangerous” & benevolent showcase. Contradictory? Maybe. Out of the starting gate, that someone is Diane King, who applies the adhesive that keeps ears peeled to the speakers. Whew. Nice opening tune. Characterized by a powerful, expressive voice, Diane embodies a style that stands out with distinction. “Love Like This” continues with equal aplomb. The attraction is similar to all those hits Huey Lewis & The News poured from their “Sports” LP so many short years ago.

Then Diane falls back to a lovely ballad “Riding Out the Storm,” with acoustic catchy momentum & her always sincere vocals. I’m caught in this woman’s spider web of melodies. The arrangements are pristine; the production is stylized & Diane works an effective spell. It’s spacious in the 10 clouds of Diane’s Sky (Drops Sept 19/DKM Music/42:24). A diversified set of music that rocks, then goes smoldering slow & romantic with plenty of upbeat vintage excursions (“Feelin’ the Love”).

Produced by Stephan Oberhoff (bass/piano/organ/electric & acoustic guitars/keys/strings/bgv) & Diane (acoustic guitars/vocals/harmony/bgv) the tunes were laid down in Nashville. Primarily an Americana/country-folk artist, Diane utilizes tasty creative musicianship, arrangements & 3-part harmonies. Some tunes rely on a retro-style country (“Until Now”) that would fit in the vocal range of Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, or Robin Ward (“Wonderful Summer”). Ms. King understands the genre with wisps of the past; it works to her advantage. There’s just enough drama & avoids pomposity. She has a wonderful full-throat tone; her singing’s got clarity & honesty.

Two golden songs have a European flair (“A Few of the Things” & “Anywhere With You”). They are graceful. Instantly memorable, nostalgic & yes, dazzling even when pensive. She could be singing about a past love, a relative who passed away, or just a missed friend. This is thrilling songwriting — reminiscing is always compelling.