"California" Shannon Hurley
Friday, February 4, 2011
Of all the songs about California, Hurley's power ballad is one of the most emotional tear-jerkers ever recorded. I dig it, even though it's kind of a 'chick song'.
The music video to "California" is a real Kleenex-grabber, complete with love lost, emotional flashbacks and thoughts of (gasp) LEAVING California behind.
Thankfully, reconciliation saves the day in the well-produced video. Listeners can smile through their tears as Shannon Hurley sings, "California --- you will always be my home."
"California" starts out simple but progresses toward a climactic, tearful crescendo that has Californians practically pledging allegiance to the Golden State through misty eyes.
Songwriter Hurley has a musical style like Aimee Mann, Manda Mosher and Sarah McLachlan --- deeply emotional and very sensitive.
Shannon has actually lived the lyrics of "California" and her authenticity genuinely permeates the feeling of the song, which is one of the most realistic California songs ever.
Every teenage California girl probably already has a copy of "California" by Shannon Hurley but it's a great song for everyone --- especially ex-Californians, who will be pushed over the emotional edge by this great California anthem.
Shannon Hurley California
