Something Extra for the Kinleys’ 2nd Act

The Kinleys made quite a splash in 1997 and the ripples are still being felt. The ache-filled “Please,” found on the duo’s “Just Between You and Me,” is the highest debuting single by a female duo in country music.

Like a dream come true, that debut album turned gold and in 1998, the Kinleys were named Best New Duo by the Academy of Country Music (ACM).

Realizing that industry expectations would be great for their follow-up, the Kinleys--Philadelphia-born, Nashville-based twins Jennifer and Heather--approached their sophomore effort slowly and with noticeable caution. Still, after some reflection, the two came to the same conclusion: Why mess with success?

Having crafted a recognizable, popular sound--radio-friendly pop-country featuring smooth, soaring harmonies--the Kinleys brought back producers Tony Haselden and Peter Green to fine-tune a winning formula. Even the title of their new release, “The Kinleys II”--which arrives in stores Tuesday--is decidedly conservative.

Funny thing, though. About halfway through the recording process, the Kinleys--who play Monday at the Crazy Horse Steak House in Irvine--weren’t satisfied with more of the same. Heck, maybe the atmosphere was just too doggone comfortable.

“After cutting 10 songs [seven of which still made the album], we sat back to evaluate our progress and felt like something was missing, or just wasn’t quite right,” said Jennifer Kinley by phone from their manager’s office in Nashville.

“We felt what we had was safe, but it wasn’t enough. So we decided to look for another producer that had that extra something we were searching for.”

That person was left-of-center country-rock artist Radney Foster, who shares the same management team as the Kinleys, and that something would be a spirit of adventure. The three hit it off right away, with Foster producing the album’s six remaining tracks.

“Radney told us to create a vibe in the studio by bringing in some old Everly Brothers and Tammy Wynette records that inspired us,” said Jennifer. Then some candles were set up. . . . He had a way of getting vocals out of us that was different and refreshing. I think he challenged us to extend ourselves.”

Sometimes that approach worked, sometimes it didn’t.

“A song like ‘That’s Gonna Mess You Up’ was kind of scary to me because I thought it was pretty edgy for country music,” she said.

“We stuck with it, though, and the way we cut it works just fine on the album. Then there was ‘If I Can Only Win Your Love,’ which didn’t make the cut. Even though Vince Gill sang with us, the track just sat there--it felt stagnant. It didn’t make enough of a statement.”

Another selection required Heather to step outside of her usually reticent self. Written by Leslie Satcher and Wynn Varble, the trashy “Lovers” contains this sassy verse: “In a fit of anger at the Horseshoe Lounge/She took a swing and knocked that hussy down.”

“It’s kind of a redneck country tune, which is fun and full of attitude,” said Heather, taking a turn on the phone. “I didn’t know if I could pull it off, and in fact, I wasn’t getting the attitude.

“I was pretty much afraid of it. So I told everyone in the studio, Hang on a minute,’ went and downed a shot of tequila, and then nailed it. They kept that take.”

Much of “The Kinleys II”--including its first single, “She Ain’t the Girl For You”--would fit nicely on a Shania Twain, Faith Hill or Patty Loveless recording. The Kinleys have been embraced by mainstream country radio, and they want to keep it that way. Even at a price.

“The challenge for us is to stay true to who we are musically, and yet satisfy what radio wants,” said Jennifer. “I have to watch how I word this. . . . There are lots of limits that radio sets, and we have to remember that there is a specific audience that likes certain things and maybe not others.”

“Before a song even gets a chance to be heard, radio has to like it and add it [into its rotation]. Until a song gets into the Top 40, it doesn’t get a shot at being judged by the listeners out there. That’s why radio is so important to what we do.”

Even so, doesn’t that formulaic approach stifle their artistic impulses?

“Country radio definitely has some pretty tight boundaries, but if you want to get played, you have to stay within them,” Heather said. “It’s confining, and it can get frustrating, but country music is what we love and we want to be right where we’re at.”

Should the prevailing commercial winds ever change direction, the Kinleys will always share their special relationship--and that’s something no one can take away.

“The first year we were on the road was so difficult,” said Jennifer, who recently married songwriter Adam Hughes, who co-wrote two tracks for “The Kinleys II.”

“We shared everything, even hotel rooms, 24-hours-a-day. It’s not crazy like that anymore. If it gets to a point where we’re together too much, we recognize it, and we’ll take a break from each other. But we’re very, very close. If a half-day goes by [without contact], I have to call her and see what she’s doing.”

“We could be fighting on the bus right before we get onstage, but the minute we start playing together, the music’s like a healer,” adds Heather, who--sorry fellas--is engaged.

“When we harmonize, it’s really a beautiful experience. Sometimes, if I’m nervous or a bit anxious, I look over to Jennifer for comfort--and it’s like she’s reading my mind.”

The Kinleys, backed by their four-piece band, play Monday at the Crazy Horse Steak House, 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine. 8 p.m. $15-$30. (949) 585-9000; www.crazyhorse2000.com.