Leaving the Yard
Holly Nelson
Northern Records

Holly Nelson debuts on Northern Records with "Leaving the Yard," a poetic pop-rock journal of songs. Holly's enchanting voice adds an additional edginess that makes "Leaving the Yard" a fresh alternative among other new artists.

Holly is an intelligent storyteller and her combination of voice fluctuations and music styles remind me of secular counterparts like Jewel or Eddie Brickel. Holly also does a Tom Petty remake "I Won't Back Down" which fits her style perfectly. Her own self-confessed influences are Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, The Starland Vocal Band, Neil Young, Tom Petty, and the Beach Boys.

Holly's beckoning voice and the message of getting out of the yard, walking-on-water so to speak, and trusting God make this album very attractive to the senses. My favorites would have to be "Hey Ranger" and "Rhyme and Reason," but overall the entire album is a gem.

- Ken W.