A while back, there was a particular song that was the featured free single of the week on iTunes. Usually when there are good reviews and ratings for the free singles, I download them. Rarely do I ever really listen or truly appreciate them. So, when Orianthi‘s “According to You” was the free single, I downloaded it and just left it in my library, thinking that it was either another typical pop song or something ethnic, judging from the artist’s name. Months later, I was checking out a music video by another artist on a website when I saw a link to a page about Orianthi. Recognizing the album artwork for Believe, I clicked on it. I was impressed when I discovered that she was, in fact, a guitarist who had performed with such artists as Steve Vai, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Santana, and even Michael Jackson. She also played at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival. I watched the music video for her single and some other videos and realized that she was the real deal. Though I have not listened to her whole album thoroughly, it sounds like Believe is mostly a pop rock record. However, each song is infused with Orianthi’s talent in impressive guitar phrases and searing licks and solos. There are even a couple of real rock anthems as well. I know that a kind of “chick pop” is stereotypically dismissed nowadays, but I’m telling you, this chick knows how to shred. I also watched the This Is It Michael Jackson rehearsal documentary, and Orianthi is definitely well qualified as a musician. I don’t know where her music will take her, but she is definitely very talented.
So she’s pretty much awesome. Love how I randomly browse through your blog and find an artist I really like.