Race Against The Sky by Kelly Moneymaker: A Soulful Joyride Through Genres
Kelly Moneymaker’s Race Against The Sky is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. Released in 2013 under Cha-Ching Records, this gem blends pop, funk, soul, and rock in a way that feels like hanging out with an old friend who has great taste in music. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does.
The album kicks off strong with “Drivin’ in the Rain,” which honestly might be my favorite track. There’s something about the groove of it—equal parts funky and chill—that makes you wanna roll down your car windows even if it’s pouring outside. The lyrics are simple but relatable, like she’s singing directly to anyone who’s ever felt lost while driving through life (or actual rain). You can hear hints of psychedelic rock creeping in, giving it this dreamy vibe that sticks with you long after the song ends.
Another standout is “Bang A Drum.” This one hits differently because it’s got this raw energy mixed with folk-rock vibes. It’s the kind of tune where you find yourself tapping your foot or maybe even air drumming at your desk when no one’s looking. The melody builds up slowly, layering instruments until it feels like a full-on celebration. Honestly? It’s impossible not to smile during this one.
Now, I gotta mention “Black Magic In Blue Jeans” too because... well, how could you forget a title like that? It’s sultry, soulful, and shows off Kelly’s range as a vocalist. She nails the balance between sweet and sassy here, making it feel like the musical equivalent of slipping into your comfiest pair of jeans—except these jeans have some serious swagger.
What strikes me most about Race Against The Sky is its variety. Tracks like “Hello Beauty” lean more introspective and acoustic, while others like “Swampy Things” dive headfirst into gritty rock territory. And yet, it all flows together seamlessly. It’s like Kelly took pieces of her personality and scattered them across each song, creating a mosaic of sound that feels deeply personal.
One quirky thing I noticed? Some tracks are listed twice with slightly different spellings or capitalizations. Like, we get it—you love “Best Kind Of Friend” so much you put it on there twice! It’s kinda endearing though, like finding a little Easter egg in the tracklist.
In the end, Rain Against The Sky (oops, see what I did there?) is one of those albums that reminds you why music matters. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it polishes the wheel until it gleams. Listening to it feels like rediscovering an old mixtape from someone who really gets you.
Unexpected remark? If this album were a person, it’d probably be the cool aunt who always knows the best thrift stores and insists on teaching you how to play guitar at family gatherings.
