Karen Kiley
Perfectly Imperfect
© 2007 Karen Kiley (880074079825)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Soul Piercing Contempory Christian Artist, Karen Kiley combines Rock, blues, pop and soul with intense vocals and Layers of entrancing instumentation. Each song will open up a deeper connection and experience between your Heart, soul and mind.
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Who would have thought that being accused of plagiarism could ever be a good thing? When I was thirteen, I discovered I had a talent for writing stories and poetry because two of my teachers thought I must be plagiarizing my writing assignments. It turned out to be one of the best misunderstandings of my life. It was a huge turning point for a shy, Christian, farm girl from Michigan whose family was transplanted just north of Chicago. Those teachers,were Angels in my life. They took me under their wings and told me I could fly.
From that time forward I began writing poetry in the form of lyrics. Luckily, I could sing a little, and knew just enough about chords to get my point across to anyone with the ability to play an instrument.
I began singing and writing music in a band with some friends from school. Even with a firm religious foundation, and what seemed to be my purpose in life all figured out, unexpected circumstances shook my world. It was the break up of my parent’s marriage. I guess I didn't see that coming. I went into a major tale spin. I hid the pain in my music and exposed it by partying. With the help of a fake ID and some older musician friends, I was sneaking out and singing in rock clubs professionally by the time I was 15. This wasn't working out very well with my family, school, or my own inner battle with God. Somehow, in my confusion and ignorance, I thought the answer was to run away from home and try to follow my dreams.
Big Red Flags were flying at me from every direction, but my heart just wasn't receptive at the time. Even so, through the haze of smoky bars, the slur of alcohol and the lure of applause, the wisper of God’s voice was still louder than the PA speakers.
Things happen to a naive girl living on the streets, but it wasn't the danger, seeing people shoot up, or the lack of food or money at times, that sent me home. I was too proud and ashamed to give in. Asking forgiveness for all I felt responsible for seemed impossible. Even so, God never stopped calling me back. One chilly October night, sleeping on the floor of an empty bread delivery truck with some other run away kids, I decided to take God up on his promise of forgiveness. I hoped and prayed that my family could forgive me for all I had put them through as well.
That amazingly clear night, under the stars and cool autumn moon light, I asked God to please forgive me, take me back, and help me to be the person he called me to be.
The next morning I went home. I later found out that my mother had left the door unlocked every night just in case I came to my senses and walked back through it. Just like God does. That’s my story of redemption, and you would think that it would be enough for one lifetime..., But there's more!!!
Many things have happened to me since then. I went to college and maintained a 4.0 grade average, was in the honor society, still performed in local bands, wrote more songs, and won some music contests. I got married, I started my own company writing, producing and doing the “voice overs” for local and national radio and T. V. commercials. I performed in plays and even wrote comedy for comedians. I also had two beautiful daughters. In the midst of all of this, I found a church where contemporary music was a wonderful and inspiring part of the services. I jumped right in, and have been serving in the music and drama ministries at my church and other outreach programs ever since.
Things seemed to be running on cruise control until another snag came along in my life. One of my daughters and I were involved in a car accident. Due to a head injury, I suffered a form of amnesia for 2 years along with some permanent memory loss. Amazingly my daughter only had a few scratches. This, along with some on going problems in my marriage, caused my relationship to be troubled and it never recovered. We got divorced shortly after that.
Then I found and married the man God made for me to love. He embraced me and my two unbelievably amazing kids and I became a step mom to two more unbelievably amazing kids. Now my husband, Mike and I, both serve together in the vibrant music ministry at our church just north of Chicago, IL. We also perform for other ministries, charity and outreach programs, concerts, community events, festivals and corporate functions. My point in telling you all of this is not only so you will see the miracles that God has obviously done in my life, but it is my hope, and prayer, that somehow the music that my experiences have inspired me to write, in some way, will help you to ask yourself, “how is God fitting into my life”? If you have never cracked open a Bible before, I encourage you to look up Psalm 139:13 or the book of John or just start back at the beginning. It makes my brain hurt to think about all the ways God has touched my life. If God can love me after all I have done, after all the times I forgot to turn to him, I'm sure you are a shoe in! We are all perfectly imperfect, but wonderfully made and amazingly loved and forgiven by God. He’s just waiting for us to know it. Thank you for reading my story. Now go and buy some music and let your heart sing! Sincerely, Karen Kiley
Don' tforget to check my web-site for free downloads of new music I am working on with Stranded on a Planet!!!
reviews
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A deeply moving CD, that is inspiring to listen to.
author: Don ThorpThis is one of the best albums I have heard from this year and last. I truly believe karen has the talent to become a star.
Congratulations on an impressive release. You have beared your heart and soul in
author: Roger HaynesCongratulations on an impressive release. You have beared your heart and soul in these tracks. Outstanding vocal performance.
Fantastic, Beautiful Melodies. This CD is perfect.
author: Gary BolgerKaren,I heard you sing before and you were great, but this is even better. You are like a fine wine...getting better over the years! I felt that all the tracks on this CD came from your heart. It was exteremly enjoyable listening to your music.
Ready for "Prime Time"
author: ScottSoulful voice with an inspirational message throughout. These songs are easy to love.
Fantastic, Original and Moving.
author: TrishKaren, Wow, I stand by my comments to you. Truly inspirational and a peek into your soul. You are an amazing woman and hats off to following your heart. Thanks for sharing this with me. ~Trish
awe inspiring!! :)
author: Brent JohnsonI have heard this groovey lady sing before--classic roc--but now, Chritian contemporary, this is a home run! Heavan on earth! Thank you Karen.
SWEET!
author: C.BerwangerThe sensitiveity in the songs show a real love of God and an intensity and understanding that I could connect with and feel, but did not know myself how to express. This cd nails it!
"AWESOME"
author: Jeff KalataKaren, This was awesome ( I WILL RUN TO YOU ) was my pick as the best song on the album.Let me know when the album comes out.
Beautiful, Inspiring, Outstanding. . .
author: Dan DalzielThis CD is a series of beautiful melodies blended with a rich, inspiring, and moving set of lyrics. The combination of Karen's wonderful voice with the excellent "bluesy/country" music makes for an outstanding CD! GREAT JOB!
Beautiful, Moving Music
author: Lindsay RuedigMom, You're music is so beautiful! Me and my sorority sisters are listening to it right now in our dorm and we love it! I am so proud of you, you've always been such a strong woman and a great role model for Emily and I. I love you more than you'll ever know! See you soon! Love, Lindsay
Karen Kiley's gifts and talents are perfectly perfect on this CD!
author: Kirk NiemczykYou can tell how each song speaks so deeply of the gifts and talents Karen has been given by the Lord. What an amazing talent!
Beautiful !
author: Mary AnnKaren, your talent is wonderful. The music is great but the lyrics are outstanding not to mention your voice.........you have wonderful insite and great ability of expressing yourself...I wish for you all the success you deserve!
Nice peaceful soothing, family music
author: Mark ZellerClose your eyes and drift into a different world. Give you the ability to reflect on your own life and see it in a different view. Rich sound always moving, excellent listen.
It's just Grrrrrrreat!!
author: Paul Mally, Top Dog Disc CompanyGREAT songwriting, GREAT vocals, performed by GREAT musicians and GREAT production by a GREAT looking artist with a GREAT personality - what more could anyone ask for in a debut CD! A truly heartfelt collection of songs that will move you and groove you! Karen's debut CD is a must have - you won't be sorry!
This woman's soul can be heard through her singing!
author: Denise ValentineI just have to say that I have followed Karen's singing career for almost a year and have heard her perform in The Retrorockets, a high-energy 70's cover band. I always loved her singing. But this CD really is what God put her on earth to do....it comes through like a flash of lightning that pierces me through and through! Karen, you are incredible. I don't know what else to say with the exception that you are definitely living God's will for your life. God Bless You and may your successes be many!
Soulful voice... amazing record...
author: Jim Nonneman (nonneman.com)This is an amazing debut record from Karen Kiley. Her soulful voice draws you into each and every track on this inspirational album. If you're a fan of contemporary Christian music, you should make this CD part of your library.
Didn't know Christain music could sound this good.
author: BeckyWhat Would You Do? made me think of Pat Benatar. Are all these songs written by Karen? Wow!
Fabulous and rich.
author: John BankOutstanding. Karen Kiley is a shining bright light who has exploded on the music scene like a supernova. She brings lushness and depth to the otherwise dismal state of contemporary music. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. It will make you happy.
Outstanding talent! Buy, listen, and spread the word!
author: Karen GarciaPerfectly Imperfect is an outstanding CD. Karen's song writing and singing style is unique and soulful. A must have!
THIS is what music is about...
author: FeckGreat songs, emotion, passion, and meaning. That is what makes lasting art. Every song on this CD is an island, which together make up a record so broad in scope that after 50 listens you will still hear subtleties that will catch your ear and remind you why you love music. Stop wasting time reading this review and BUY THIS CD!!!!