Press Reviews

The Toll Booth [- Hide]
Alex Klages
Stacy Rock will inevitably draw comparisons to Tor...
Stacy Rock will inevitably draw comparisons to Tori Amos in that both are talented female songwriters for whom piano is the central instrument to their music. But Stacy Rock tends more towards a lighter, more pop sound than Amos, and has a vocal character which is, fortunately, nothing like most artists (Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk, etc) who also fit into the "woman playing piano" category. Her voice has hints of Feist, Stevie Nicks, and Emmylou Harris to it--which is to say, her voice is her own, and she doesn't really sound like any of the popular female vocalists. The musical style has hints of Ben Folds, Paul McCartney, and Tin-Pan Alley to it.

In short, she writes really bouncy, jangly pop songs which have a way of getting stuck in your head for hours.

Lyrically, her music tends towards honest examinations of how life is in this world. "You Boys Lie", the opening track, is about how men will lie to get what they want. "Anne" is about overcoming heartache. "Don't Change" is a bit of a lament on how time changes people. The album as a whole has material which is rather darker than the sound of the music, leading to a bit of a comparison with Canadian folk group Nathan or Tom Waits, as well.

As a pianist, Rock is quite talented. She creates a rich texture for her sultry mezzo-soprano through the arrangements as well. The arrangements stay fairly simple--piano, bass, drums, and guitar, primarily, though not all in every track. It sounds like something you might hear in a piano bar or a good-quality night club. For the most part, she stays in the lower end of her vocal range during the album, but when she does sing in the upper end of her range, as in "The Human Court," her voice takes on an ethereal tone. The effect is other-worldly, and quite haunting.
The album as a whole has a very organic groove to it, yet a finished sound to the production. Kudos to producer Duane Lundy. It sounds professional without sounding overproduced. For an independent album, it is easily one of the best produced I have heard in a long time. It reminds me of Sarah Jahn's only album, but without the overtly
spiritual content. My hope is that Ms. Rock's career continues to bloom and flourish. She is a musician with a unique voice and some very interesting stories to tell.


Anti Music Network [- Hide]
Songsmiths with Gisele Grignon
With a last name like Rock, Stacy was fated to be ...
With a last name like Rock, Stacy was fated to be either a musician or the maker of a child's nursery furniture. Carpentry's loss is music's gain. And while her style leans more towards country-pop than rock, it's but a semantic quibble. By any name, Stacy's music is a joy, tinged with the natural sultriness of lounge singers. Think Kim Bassinger in the Fabulous Baker Boys in today's smoke-free New York lounges (and therefore minus the trademark smoky vocals resulting from years of imbibing and absorbing a cocktail of whisky and unfiltered cigarette/cigar smoke). Now combine that with a restrained Jewel-like vibrato. Double the talent and appeal and you'll begin to know and appreciate this redhead's CD. From the personal and engaging "You Boys Lie", to the playful "The Human Court", Stacy demonstrates an ease that belies her (judging by the back cover shot) young years.

Close your eyes and try to not to picture Stacy, flooded in a soft spotlight, gripping the old-time microphones as she oozes out "Don't Change". Can't be done. With haunting Billy Joel-like piano accompaniment, this one's a favorite you're not likely to soon forget.

Ask any actor which they prefer playing, the good girl, or the bad girl; and if they're being honest they'll admit the bad girl offers more depth, more texture and more just plain old-fashioned hutzpah than the goodie-two-shoes. Stacy's evidently caught on to this reality and plays it up beautifully in "The Bad Girl". The flip-side to this brashy cut would be "Whiskey & Bourbon", a peaches and cream, little ol' me piece that again demonstrates her versatility and charm. Whether you're sipping Long Island ice teas on the front verandah, or driving cross country to visit an old friend, "One Way Home" is guaranteed to heighten the experience and make it all the more memorable. Parting crumb of advice: if you're feeling lonesome or looking to shake the blues, take a raincheck for "Raincheck Banjolin": there's something beyond melancholy about this cut that's best avoided unless what you're really looking for is an excuse for a good cry.


AllAgesZine.com [- Hide]
Jeffrey Kurtis
It's not too often that you hear of an emerging ar...
It's not too often that you hear of an emerging artist coming from Montana, but now that Stacy Rock has arrived that's all about to change. She brings an older feel with newer sensibilities to the table on this piano laced album that will certainly make you listen. The voice of Rock is what you will first be drawn too. With a certain amount of hush in her voice you will be comparing her to the likes of Tori Amos before you know it, but musically you are shown a whole another dynamic of this album. The piano accompanies her voice perfect while on tracks like "The Human Court" you can't help but sway side to side with the beat. There is enough mixture of pop with classic piano influence to keep this fresh and exciting and I am looking forward to seeing where she goes with this album in the industry. This is a great record that stands on its own two feet and I can only hope that people out there open their minds up enough to wrap their arms around an album like this. I love this record for many reasons and welcome it to my collection.

Smother Magazine [- Hide]
J-Sin
Review - Mature female alternative pop-rock is the...
Review - Mature female alternative pop-rock is the main spice tossed into the mix on "One Way Home". Delivered with gusto and a bouncy approach, the album is riddled with fun and entertaining pop twists and turns. Stacy Rock has an operatic voice that she often couples with dynamic harmonies that are as expansive and vast as her native Montana. Despite her roots her music certainly has the vibe of the seasoned New York City (where she currently resides) pop singer/songwriter. Excellent!


Jezebel Music [- Hide]
Gabriel Levitt
"An unequivocally enchanting performance last week...
"An unequivocally enchanting performance last week, Stacy's melodic and uplifting keyboard arrangements combined with a stellar vocal delivery are the bedrocks of this most enjoyable artist. Her professionalism enhances her naturally charismatic performance style. "

KUMD Radio [- Hide]
John Ziegler
"Good new release from Stacy Rock! Took me by surp...
"Good new release from Stacy Rock! Took me by surprise with well-crafted songs and good arrangements. Getting lots of air-play here on 100,000 watt KUMD. Check her out!"
    John Ziegler (PD & MD @ KUMD)


Williamsburg Live Songwriters Contest [- Hide]
Jezebel Music - Ben Krieger
Stacy Rock was one of the few female keyboardists ...
Stacy Rock was one of the few female keyboardists I've heard during the WLSC who took a pop route over a brooding Tori Amos impersonation. The song was bouncy, cheerful, and started off the evening on the right foot. The rest of the songs on her myspace page are great as well...look into it.

SHORTS [- Hide]
short reviews in various publications
Dagger - "I wonder if Rock is Stacey's real last n...
Dagger - "I wonder if Rock is Stacey's real last name ? Anywho…..on here she plays piano, keys and sings (accordian too) and has a lovely voice (in the Caitlin Cary vein). The songs are pretty , soulful and heartfelt and it's really hard not to like this."

Ergodica Blogspot, Things to Do:  "Stacy Rock has an astounding technical virtuosity and polish vocally and musically. And she's gorgeous to boot. Imagine Fiona Apple's work crossed with Tori Amos/Sarah McLaughlin vocals. Now imagine all of that music coming out of Famke Janssen. That's Stacy Rock."

Infuze Magazine.com [- Hide]
Mark Fisher
Stacy Rock: One Way Home

female singer/songwriter in vein of Carly Simon or Carole King

One Way Home is singer/songwriter Stacy Rock's debut album. The classically trained pianist is quite the storyteller, utilizing elements of folk, country, vaudeville, and rock in the vein of Tom Waits or early eighties Bob Dylan to create a memorable backdrop for each song.

Most of us tend to think of Tori Amos when we hear "female singer/songwriter with a piano" but that couldn't be more wrong in this case. If Tori Amos is an influence then I have completely missed it. While not necessarily sounding like them, Rock's sound is more akin to the work of artists like Carole King or Carly Simon. Rock's sound is not unique in a historical sense but is a refreshing change from today's' popular singer/songwriters.

The focus here is entirely on each story. The beautiful and inspiring "Anne" is a great example. Although a little too country tinged, the song is a sad yet encouraging letter of sorts. Rock delivers the song almost tearfully putting a lump in your throat, forcing you to rub your eyes and curse your allergies in order to save face. The lounge styling of "Marigolds" is another striking moment. Taking a break from the singer/songwriter fare for a moment, Rock bridges the gap between legends like Etta James and modern day legends in the making like Jen Chapin. Clear, succinct, and sexy, Rock delivers flawlessly on this song in particular. "Don't Change" is another nice moment, focusing entirely on the lonely sound of a girl and her piano.

I really enjoyed this album. Stacy Rock is a talented songwriter for sure and has a beautiful, but interesting voice. Her ideas here are great, although they aren't always pulled off as gracefully as you are hoping for. Some time is definitely what the doctor has ordered here and I have a feeling that when Stacy Rock comes into her own we will all feel it. Regardless, there is a lot to love about this album and I look forward to hearing more.


Cord Magazine - "Gorgeous album" [- Hide]
Andy Scheffler
Lovely voice, certainly soft, edgy at times. Stacy...
Lovely voice, certainly soft, edgy at times. Stacy Rock isn't as "rock" as I would have thought. But there's a twisted quality to the songs, like a bit of a Sarah Slean or something like that. Typically womanly - lots of pianos and drama. Anyone who has ever liked the shrillness of Portishead, the womanly charge of Tori Amos, or the sultriness of your pick of female jazz singers, would be able to get into this album. It's a pretty accessible disc - neither too feminine, nor too abrasive. Gorgeous album.

Song of choice : So far I like the power of "Anne."