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Album Review: Maggie Rose’s ‘Cut To Impress’

By on February 25, 2013 in Album & Song Reviews

Just received an advance copy of Maggie Rose’s debut album on RPM Entertainment entitled ‘Cut To Impress‘ produced by Blake Chancey, Stephony Smith, and James Stroud.  The most recent single “I Ain’t Your Mama” (a playful, mid-tempo, female anthem) was released earlier this year to country radio and had some success by landing in the top 30.  I had hoped it would climb higher for this extremely-talented artist whose career I have followed since she went by Margaret Durante about a year and a half ago when she underwent a bit of an image revamp taking her from the blondish/brown longhaired “girl next door” to the short, playful platinum blonde bombshell image of the “girl next door” gone slightly bad (although, just between you and I, she’s not really bad at all, but a real sweetheart) and all grown up.  Just a fun image revamp to relaunch her as an artist; showing some growth and branding as an artist.  Yes, I said branding because as an artist they are also a brand.    Continue Reading →

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Album Review: “FIELDS” By Rebecca Roubion

By on November 19, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Rebecca Roubion, FieldsRebecca Roubion is a local indie/pop artist, and you know I love showing them some love! Her new album “FIELDS” is a four-track EP that will be released digitally Nov. 27th. This EP has a sister album entitled “FORESTS” which will be out at a later date.

Rebecca’s voice is undeniably enjoyable and unique, reminiscent of Norah Jones. The music itself features Rebecca on the keys, and carries an overall jazzy kind of feel – it’s almost hard to place, but impossible not to enjoy.

It was this feel of the music that first drew me in. I typically listen intently to lyrics when reviewing an album; however, I quickly realized that I would enjoy the music not because of what Rebecca was singing, but how she was singing and playing it.

And yet, that doesn’t mean the lyrics aren’t meaningful: through the songs run common themes and experiences that anyone can relate to, although Rebecca finds a way to convey them in poignant, unique ways.

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Song Review: Amber Hayes, “Any Day Is A Good Day”

By on November 19, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Amber Hayes, Any Day Is A Good Day“Any Day Is A Good Day” is the new inspirational single from country newcomer Amber Hayes. The song also serves as the title track of her album that was released this October. Amber’s sweet, country voice entices you and paints a beautiful picture of living the old adage “every day above ground is a good day.”

The first verse expands on just that: “I’ve got a roof above my head, shoes on my feet. Got air in my lungs, groceries in the pantry/So I’d have to say, it’s a good day.”

Sweet, simple and inspiring.

The second verse touches on enjoying the simple beauties in life as Amber describes taking a walk and listening to blue birds. You can almost picture her walking through a brightly lit, “American Honey”-esque cornfield, smiling and enjoying nature’s beauty.

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Album Review: “Set Love Loose” by Elise Hayes

By on November 13, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews, Artists to Watch

For most of the past year, I have been hearing the name Elise Hayes mentioned around town.  Words used to describe her were always “wow”, “amazing”, “incredible artist”, ect.  So, obviously, FOCUS wanted to seek her out and hear her perform.  As it happened, last night FOCUS was at Winners just by Music Row for the “Whiskey Jam”, which has become a weekly musical event in this city known for featuring some of the best unsigned AND signed artists in town.  You never actually know WHO might take the stage at any moment.  This is a local place, not frequented by out-of-towners.  The artists know they can show up, not get hounded, be able to have a fun night out visiting with friends, and hop up on stage to play a few songs.  No pressure, just fun and there’s always a crowd of locals there to fill the room.

Anyway, back to Elise Hayes…we were invited by another artist performing that night, Andrea Young, who we’ve come to know through her fiddle playing recently with such artists as Jana Kramer.  Andrea has a new duo called Reverse Cowgirl, who are also amazing, but this is about Elise Hayes.  Unbeknownst to us, Elise was performing just before our friend, Andrea’s band.  Didn’t catch her name at first, but when she started singing, she took our immediate attention! “WOW” is right and exactly the correct way to describe her & her music.  She held our attention from the moment she took the stage until she left it.  Sadly, only 3 songs, but those songs were amazing and left us wanting to hear more! Met her just following her stage performance.  Not only does she have all the qualities it takes to make it as a star these days, but such a genuine, warm quality about her. Plus, she graduated from Berklee College.  HELLO?? Serious musical talent here!

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Song Review: (Redneck Reunion) Party Like A Redneck By Amy Rose

By on September 15, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

“(Redneck Reunion) Party Like A Redneck” by country singer, Amy Rose, is the first single from Amy’s forthcoming third album. The song was co-written by Amy and her producers Glenn Coulson and Marty Beecroft of After Tuesday Productions. Continue Reading →

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Album Review: Tornado By Little Big Town

By on September 15, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Little Big Town, the country group comprised of Phillip Sweet, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook,  just released their newest album this past week entitled Tornado.  The fun lead off single “Pontoon” has been a huge summer hit and marks the group’s first number one single.  Surprising that this is the first number one hit for this very talented group that has been established for a few years.  According to a recent article in Billboard, Little Big Town “have endured quite a roller-coaster ride since joining forces more than a decade ago.  Says Schlapman: ‘We certainly had our frustrating moments. For whatever reason, some things worked out and some things did not, but they surely formed who we are today and got us to this point, so we have to be grateful.’” Continue Reading →

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Album Review: “Under Fire” By Green River Ordinance

By on September 6, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Why has it taken me so long to discover Green River Ordinance’s music? From the moment I first hit play on their recent release entitled Under Fire yesterday, I’ve been listening to it.  Can’t seem to get enough of it, actually. I’ve been loving a lot of the music that’s been coming across my desk lately, but I wouldn’t say I love it if it wasn’t true.  I promise you that.  I know what I like and I like this! Continue Reading →

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Song Review: Things You Can’t Do In A Car By Due West

By on August 8, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Well, here’s another song that’s stuck in my head now.  It’s a good one with some fantastic harmonies.

“Things You Can’t Do In A Car” by Due West written by Due West member, Brad Hull, is an uptempo, catchy, cleverly-written song that’s perfect for summer and anytime really.  Guitar-driven, strong melody, great hook…this song just flows perfectly and is pure country “goodness”.  Another song that should be a hit on radio.   Quality music that is masterfully-produced.  If you like good country music, check them out.

Due West, comprised of Brad Hull, Tim Gates, and Matt Lopez, have some of the best harmonies out there today.  When they get together on the stage, it’s pure magic — as if they were born to sing with each other.  They are each accomplished songwriters in their own right with cuts on albums by Lady Antebellum and Bucky Covington to name a few.

Be sure to check them out and find more of their music on iTunes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

 

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Album Review: A Thousand Miles Left Behind By Gloriana

By on August 2, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

With their first release in 3 years, Gloriana is proving this is no sophomore slump and they are back better than ever with their debut single in the top 5 on the Billboard country chart (and still climbing).

Gloriana, also, was just awarded gold status for their debut single “(Kissed You) Good Night” from this newest release.  They have had to overcome some obstacles since their last album such as the departure of Cheyenne Kimball from the band and leaving them to refocus/reorganize as a group.  Thankfully they are back even better than before and being embraced by the country music fans once again.

Their new album entitled A Thousand Miles Left Behind is a solid effort.  Their harmonies blend perfectly as a trio with strong melodies and lyrical depth.  This is an album filled with radio-friendly hits ranging from uptempo, catchy tunes to heartfelt, emotional ballads.  Tom Gossin, Rachel Reinert, and Mike Gossin who make up the trio, Gloriana, all had a hand in co-writing all of the songs on this release and each take lead on this album.

It’s hard to pick a favorite on this album.  Very strong album through and through.  Their first album was a great effort and this newest one shows even more growth as a group in songwriting as they worked with top songwriters all around Nashville.  Hoping this newest effort solidifies them as artists and means they will be around for a long time to come.  This can possibly garnish some awards for them.  Those awards would be well-deserved and couldn’t happen to 3 nicer people.

Standout songs to me are as follow:  “Wanna Take You Home” an uptempo, catchy song about love filled with plenty of fiddle.  “Carolina Rose” is a beautiful ballad showing depth and a softer side filled with perfectly-blended harmonies that just seem to flow so naturally.  “Turn My World Around” is a mid-tempo ballad filled with mandolin that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I, also, love the more traditional country feel of “Gold Rush”.

Honestly, I could go straight down the list of songs and tell you something I like about each of the songs.  Bottom line is it’s a very strong release, polished mastering and production, and I highly-recommend it to any contemporary country fan.

For more information about Gloriana, check out their site at: www.gloriana.com

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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NASHVILLE, TN – (July 31, 2012) – Country music trio Gloriana release their much anticipated second studio album A Thousand Miles Left Behind today. The album, that  includes their current single “(Kissed You) Good Night” which this week lands at #2 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart, has been receiving rave reviews for the growth the band clearly displays on the 11 tracks. Gloriana, who performed on Good Morning America yesterday, will be back in New York City Friday, August 3rd to perform on Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series.

Those in New York City August 3rd can attend Gloriana’s performance at Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series outside the Fox News studios on Avenue of the Americas and 48th Street or can tune in at 7:30am EST (check local listings) to catch their performance. On Saturday, August 4th at 10:30pm EST fans can tune into Gloriana’s album release concert at Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL streamed live by UV2Live. To get more information on how you can check out this concert go to http://www.gloriana.com/news/stream-glorianas-album-release-concert-32626.

You can check out Gloriana’s performance on Good Morning America at http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/gloriana-performs-kissed-good-night-16886423 as well as a special performance of “Turn My World Around” at http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/gloriana-performs-turn-world-live-gma-16887603.

Tom, Mike, and Rachel have funneled everything they’ve learned into A Thousand Miles Left Behind intent on revealing more of themselves as artists. Gloriana worked with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters and had a hand in writing every track on the album. The result is an alluring mix of up-tempo songs, “Wanna Take You Home,” “Sunset Lovin’,” “Go On…Miss Me,” “Doin’ It Our Way,” and graceful, heartfelt tunes: current single “(Kissed You) Good Night,” “Can’t Shake You,” “Turn My World Around,” “Carolina Rose,” and “Soldier Song.”

Fans can get up to date information on Gloriana’s tour and more information on the rising country group by going to www.Gloriana.com.

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Album Review: Nobody Is Ok By This Is She

By on August 1, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Well, this is a little change of pace from the music we primarily focus on at FOCUS on the 615, which is usually country.  However, good music is just good music and if it’s coming out of Nashville, we will let you know about it if it catches our ears!

This Is She is a rock/pop/electronic/dance band based out of Los Angeles, California with a Nashville connection in lead singer, Alana Grace.  I’ve written about Alana as a solo artist, then when she was part of the group: TOY, now part of This Is She that is made up of 3 of the 4 members from TOY.  Ok, confused already? Don’t be! Just a name change, but same type music if you enjoyed TOY.

This Is She was introduced to a large Nashville audience most recently during the 4th of July celebration at Riverfront Park last month where they were met with rave reviews.  Their music can best be described as a mix of darkly-influenced melodies & lyrics blended with pop, rock, electronic, and dance influences.  You’ll even hear a little dubstep in the mix from time to time.  Led by Alana Grace whose vocals are most reminiscent of Amy Lee from Evanescence.  She is joined by lead guitarist, Christian Paul Meadows, and Ryan Folden on drums, who were both formerly of the band, After Midnight Project.

Check out their video below that was recently featured on the MTV Buzzworthy site:

With their debut EP release entitled Nobody Is Ok, you’ll find a mix of hauntingly-beautiful clear vocals mixed with the darkly-rooted melodies & lyrical themes intertwined with the pulsating constant rhythms, electronic additions/textures, and ambitious guitar licks.  This is not your bubblegum pop, but something that is more refined and geared towards an audience that wants a little more than just a simply good dance beat and simple lyrics that seem to dominate so much of the pop charts lately.  For example, they would not appeal to the same audience that enjoys “Call Me Maybe”.  I would say that a college crowd would be more attuned and appreciative of their music.

My favorite off the album is “Disobey”.  It’s dark, edgy, uptempo with a constant driving rhythm. This one has me hitting the repeat button often.

Check This Is She out at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thisisshemusic and you can buy their music on iTunes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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