Born and raised in Nashville, Justyna Kelley grew up surrounded by music in all facets as the daughter of songwriter Irene Kelley. After paving her various creative paths in Nashville, Los Angeles and New York, she created her first-full length record in 2012, leading her to sign an international distribution deal with 13 Bis Records (Warner France) and subsequently moved to Paris.
For the next three years she toured across Europe, and would go on to work with artists like David Hallyday, Jackson Browne, Steve Cropper, and many others. Fast forward to October of 2023, and Kelley would again utilize her Parisian connection for her latest album, Canon.
Canon was recorded in both English and French, with Kelley mixing edgy modern pop with tinges of her organic Nashville roots, creating a fresh and eclectic sound. Released on French label EKP, Kelley’s now fifth studio album, she teamed up with an array of prominent artists and songwriters, including Grammy-nominated musician and longtime musical director for Disneyland Paris Carlton Moody.
“Seeing Stars,” the first track of the album, immediately sets the tone for the sultry modern pop vibe, with a percussive R&B groove and melodic synth leading the way. Kelley’s vintage pop vocals soon shine through, driving the song along with its ability to easily get stuck in your head. The track touches on themes of letting your guard down and being blinded in the face of desire.
Kelley sings, “How do you know / When you’re blinded by emotion / Where do you go / When you’re stranded on the ocean,” offering an imagery-laden glimpse into her feelings. The verses have a bit of a telephone effect in the vocals, then a clear pop ring in the choruses, making the track a memorable and funky opening to the album.
Co-written with Eddie Gore and Sarah Silva, Kelley decidedly notes this as her favorite track on the album. “It’s that feeling when you’re completely blindsided, totally removed from reality,” Kelley says. “You lose your orientation, can’t tell up from down, left from right. And yet, you’re still convincing yourself that maybe it could work, because you’re so sincere in your approach to love.”
Of the two French songs on the album, one is a cover of Carla Bruni’s iconic “Quelqu’un m’a dit”, which was the first French song she ever learned. The track features a mellow indie electric guitar line, and quickly delves into a mellow and atmospheric rhythm. The longing synthesizer and romantic acoustic guitar solo make this track a standout.
The second French track is the emotional and cinematic self-penned song, “Canon”, that explores the double meaning of the French word, providing a reflection on the double standards faced by women in today’s society. It’s a beautiful and very impactful finale to the album.
Canon marks an exciting new chapter in Kelley’s career and foreshadows a compelling future for this multifaceted artist.
Note* Paul Howard contributed to this article.
