Album Review: Stephanie Morgan — Chrysalism
Stephaniesid, the former group of prodigiously talented singer Stephanie Morgan, had a kind of arty pop sound with the added interest of a strong jazz sensibility. Since the end of that project, Morgan has ventured out on her own, and, while Chrysalism should please longtime fans of her old band, it represents a decisive break from the past. More straightforward melodic lines are the order of the day, and the textures Morgan chooses to support those melodies — eerie Mellotron choirs on “The Minor Calling,” a shuffling disco beat on “I Hear a Symphony” — suggest that she’s found a recipe that allows her to pursue her ambitious ideas within a widely accessible musical framework.
The minimalist instrumentation of “Bones” is a model of subtlety, while “Easy” — built upon a simple enough musical foundation — manages to evoke the combined effect of Southern gospel, blues and jazzy torch songs, all in the space of just over four minutes. There’s an underpinning of sadness, melancholy and resignation to many of the song arrangements, but that ambience is leavened with a sense — in the form of Morgan’s vocal delivery — of indefatigable optimism.
Midway through the record is “In the Sunlight,” which — while not disavowing the more visceral emotions explored on other cuts — suggests that Morgan has charted a path forward and is supremely equipped to succeed in her ongoing journey. “Stardust” has a vibe that’s so unadorned and up-close that it’s almost uncomfortable listening, but Morgan somehow makes it work. In “This One,” she implores, “If you want to listen to one of my songs, listen to this one,” but anyone drawn in by Morgan’s expressive voice won’t wish to limit themselves. Stephaniesid is dead; long live Stephanie Morgan.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.