Aimee Allen Title: A Little Happiness Label: Side Tracked Records Year: 2009 Rating: 3.5 / 5

A soul sometimes finds itself in the worst of days and comes out stronger, wiser and well, a little more happy. In the case of Aimee Allen, this is nothing but the truth. Aimee has gone through a refinement of the soul after a horrific incident, which left her badly beaten, and has come up with an album that not only represents her in the best light, but also represents her as a musician who is on top of their game. Hence the album title, aptly named, A Little Happiness. The album is a well crafted, dynamically sound, home made, honest type of album that is stripped down to it’s bare essentials and performed with an open heart. The truthful message of “Save Me” brings you back down to earth and the dizzying melodic chorus is right on. Aimee’s vocals soar in her superb rendition of Sublime’s “Santeria” and I totally loved every second of it. I bet Bradley is smiling up in heaven. “La La Land” brings everything into perspective, mixing it up with reggae, astral lyrics and candy-coated dreamy passages. Title track “A Little Happiness” showcases Aimee’s powerful but delicate voice over searing acoustic guitars coupled with Aimee’s spirited lyrical delivery. A Little Happiness is built on great arrangements and compositions, thanks to Aimee’s musical talents and determination to get it done. The raw, passionate feel of the record goes beyond any other album that Aimee has done from her previous past and to me, is a statement of Aimee’s life, where it’s at now and where it’s headed. If you have any doubts about picking up this record, especially if you’re an older fan, put your doubts to sleep. This record needs to be heard.

By: Gian Erguiza