The Backlog: End Of July
Ten albums. Some good variety. Notable standouts are from unexpected places.
Welcome back to the next edition of the Backlog! Summer is steadily churning on, and the overload of music is threatening to overwhelm audiences. Hopefully these review blurbs can help guide listeners.
As a reminder of the Country Subgenre numbering system.
1- Traditional Country
2- Country Rock
3- Modern Country
4- Pop Country
5- Southern Pop.
-Joe
Tenille Arts- to be honest
Subgenre: 4, 5, 3
Tracks: 14
Time: 46 min.
Spectacle over substance. The kernels of a great pop country act are here (great vocals, touch of the dramatic lyrically), but they tend to be hidden in a massive display of pop pomp. As is often the case with unsatisfying albums, some individual moments genuinely shine, but as a whole the album suffers from an inconsistent tone, theme and general lack of cohesiveness.
Favorite: So Do I, Mama Eyes, Jealous Of Myself (ft LeAnn Rimes)
Least Favorite: Next Big Thing, Wonder Women, Call Me When You Get Home Friends
Colin Stough- Lookin For Home
Subgenre: 3, 2, 1
Tracks: 6
Time: 18 min.
Modern Country with an organic and traditional twist. Debut EP exceeds expectations. His vocal inspirations and influences are very clear, to the point where the real Colin Stough doesn't feel like he has fully emerged. Not uncommon for a young artist. Definitely one to keep an eye on.Â
Favorite: SoberÂ
Least Favorite: Boat SomewhereÂ
Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen- Hold My Beer, vol. 4
Subgenre: 1, 3, 2Â
Tracks: 6
Time: 22 min.
Trademarked, traditional Texas country, wit, and presentation, now in round four. It’s exactly what you expected. Thankfully. Bowen and Rogers individually are bona fide Texas legends. Together they are iconic. They’ve shown in the past that more than enough songwriting acumen exists to fill a whole album, but a tight EP is still a fine consolation prize.Â
Favorite: Poor ArmadilloÂ
Least Favorite: Cowboy and Daisy
Emily Nenni- Drive & CryÂ
Subgenre: 1
Tracks: 12
Time: 44 min.
Rythmic upbeat production aids, but does not mask the heartbreak at the core of the record. A delicate balance built by nuanced vocal and lyrical touches. This fine balance is the key to the record. Classic country and modern relatability, upbeat production and downcast themes, lush melodies and aggressive accoutrement. A remarkable performance from a young future star.
Favorite: Lay Of The Land, We Sure Could Two Step, Greatest HitsÂ
Least Favorite: I Don't Need You
Niko Moon- Better Days
Subgenre: 5, 4
Tracks: 13
Time: 39 min.
Unfortunately for our eardrums, country trap is no longer a new phenomenon. As such you need to bring more to the table than this. Mellow to the point of dull. Even the positive beachy vibes aren’t enough to grab attention. The fact is, Moon has about one thing to say and just abut one lane of delivery. He didn’t need 13 songs to get his point across. Also, the Fishing In The Dark cover just demonstrates the lack existing in the remainder of the project.
Favorite: Fishing In The Dark
Least Favorite: the rest of the album
George Ducas- Long Way From Home
Subgenre: 1
Tracks: 10
Time: 31 min.
Relatively forgotten 90s act comes back with an indie release. Craggy and unique vocals make the otherwise straightforward 90s styling memorable. Classic themes, above par execution. Some really nice use of space in the production. Cool guitar tones mesh well with the otherwise classic setup.
Favorite: Long Way From Home, Do What The Lonely Do
Least Favorite: DrifterÂ
Brinley Addington- Nobody's Favorite
Subgenre: 3, 1
Tracks: 12
Time: 41 min.
Songwriter turned singer, Addington presents a well executed perspective. A case study in how the careful use of detail can flesh out narratives and create relatability. I was taken aback by just how organic the album was. A cursory glance at his writing credits would give off a very different picture. Just goes to show you how important it is to be willing to give some time towards checking out music from unknowns. You may end up with a sneaky contender for an end of year list.
Favorite: Talkin’ To Her Through The Jukebox, Still Got That Radio, Darlene, Late To ChurchÂ
Least Favorite: Goodbye Darling
Due West- Unbroken
Subgenre:Â 1, 3, 2
Tracks: 12
Time: 41 min.
Glossy Dean Dillon produced trad meets 2000s country. AÂ comeback project from this pretty much unknown late 00s band. Excellent harmonies and tip-top production elevates what can be a generic product in spots.Â
Favorite: Somebody's Somewhere, Unbroken Horses, Flying BlindÂ
Least Favorite:Â Do All Your Leaving
William Michael Morgan- Country Classics vol. 1Â
Subgenre: 1
Tracks: 12
Time: 40 min.
Long in the making, the relatively sedate cover album showcases Morgan's tasteful curation and presentation of a variety of country classics. Light on percussion, seemingly an intentional choice highlighting the vocals. WMM’s rich baritone is stretched further by some of the song choices, demonstrating more range and flexibility than previously seen. It mostly works.Â
Favorite: Louisiana Women, Mississippi Man, Please Come To Boston, Everything That GlittersÂ
Least Favorite: Let Your Love FlowÂ
The Secret Sisters- Mind, Man, Medicine
Subgenre: 4, 1, 3Â (folk is hard to categorize. A partial flaw in my system. Usually, it is pop forward enough for a 4. Or trad enough for a 1. This kinda falls in between everything.)
Tracks: 11
Time: 39 min.
Sedate folk pop provides gentle reflection on the multitudes contained within mankind. Probably the first album I’ve reviewed on here to feature glockenspiel ( Never Walk Away), the depth instrumentally aligns with the lyrical heft. Most music describes emotion, this record analyzes it. Stylistically may not be for all, but an essential listen for the thoughtful listener.Â
Favorite: Paperweight, I Can Never Be Without You Anymore, Bear With Me, Same WaterÂ
Least Favorite: If The World Was A HouseÂ
Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed.