Without a doubt, Sara Evan’s is back in full force with her 11-track new release entitled ‘Slow Me Down’ available for purchase on March 11th. Continue Reading →
Tag Archives | album review
Album Review: Brett Eldredge | ‘Bring You Back’
With his blues-soaked, undeniably country voice, Brett Eldredge just released his debut album entitled BRING YOU BACK nationwide. This album is rich with well-written songs that Eldredge had a hand in writing. In fact, he co-wrote 11 out of 12 of the tracks on the album. Continue Reading →
Album Review: JJ Lawhorn ‘Original Good Ol’ Boy’
Average Joe’s country artist JJ Lawhorn has just released his new 13-track album entitled ‘Original Good Ol’ Boy’ produced by Jeremy Stover and executive producer, Shannon “Fat Shan” Houchins.
To be honest, there was only one track on the entire album that I enjoyed. It was a surprisingly touching song at moments, but with a little too much cheesiness for my taste called “Good Ol’ Boys Like Us”. I liked the melody of this one, but even it made me cringe a little because of the lyrics with all of the references of good ol’ boys, pickup trucks, and slinging mud as it talked about what Heaven would be like for good ol’ boys aka rednecks. Continue Reading →
Album Review: Craig Campbell’s ‘Never Regret’
‘Never Regret’ is the newest 12-song release from country artist Craig Campbell. It is produced by Keith Stegall & Matt Rovey with Campbell co-writing 6 out the 12 songs on this album. Continue Reading →
Album Review: “Set Love Loose” by Elise Hayes
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!
Album Review: Briana Tyson ‘Back To Me’
Briana Tyson is our featured artist and track for the month of May. Her new 5-track EP entitled ‘Back To Me’ is one of the best albums I have had the pleasure to hear this year! Her voice is not only powerful, but filled with such amazing depth and emotion. If you have the chance to see Briana perform live, you’ll be drawn into her genuine spirit and her live performance will literally give you chills. I had a friend who couldn’t stop talking about her over 2 weeks after he had seen her perform for the 1st time. “Wow” was the word he used to describe her and how she gave him chills as she sang. I couldn’t agree more! In a town filled with many incredible artists, it’s not easy to stick out like this, but she does! Briana has a very special quality about her and definitely worth a listen. Both contemporary and traditional country music fans will enjoy her music.
Track by track review:
“When You’re Drunk”: This is my favorite off the album. It’s an uptempo, fun song with a twist at the end. Briana starts off acapella–something that most would shy away from because might be a flaw in their voice. However, no flaws her. Just control and strength.
“Back To Me’: A beautiful mid-tempo song about longing to be with a loved one.
“Head Over My High Heels”: Another fun, mid-to-uptempo song. I can almost see a legend like Patsy Cline singing this song at Tootsie’s on Broadway. It’s contemporary but a bit of a throwback to an earlier time in country music. Something that country traditionalists will love. Then there’s a section with a trumpet solo where I could’ve sworn I just entered the French Quarter in New Orleans. So, it even had a little jazz influence, too.
“Almost”: A beautifully-written and sung ballad about missing a lost love.
“Left My Heart With You”: This song will bring you to tears. It did me. It’s written from the perspective of the person who has passed away as they are watching over their loved ones and trying to give comfort to them from Heaven.
What’s pretty amazing is Briana is only 19 years old, yet her voice and songs have the maturity, emotional depth of someone older who has experienced so much more. She even writes or co-writes all of her music and co-produced this album herself. Be sure to find Briana on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/brianatysonmusic
You can buy this EP at iTunes for only $4.95. Buy it now and support this amazing artist!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
