Maggie Baring – “Jolene”
-When a song has the iconic title of “Jolene,” I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a cover. It’s not. But you should absolutely still give this particular “Jolene” a spin because it’s really something special. It’s a song about the difficulties of heartbreak. The vocal on the chorus, in particular, feels genuine and engaging. The strummed acoustic creates a deep, full sound that allows the vocal to soar over it. I appreciate the authenticity in the recording as well. If you’ve ever felt the painful sting of heartbreak, this track will certainly resonate with you. But you know what… stick around for the optimism in the cut time section in the second half of the song. It’ll have you singing and swaying along.
Side Saddle – “Wine and Spirits”
-I’ve been a sucker for folk harmony sounds for as long as I can remember. This beautiful track from Side Saddle definitely has that layered folk sound down well. The intimate lyrical style pulls the listener in right from the start. The guitar work provides a base for the vocals to shine over the top. The reassuring, “I’m not leaving any time soon” is calming message highlighting the importance of commitment. The overall energy of the recording fits nicely within the new folk genre. Regular readers of this site are going to love everything about this recording from Side Saddle.
Nicky Murray – “How Long”
-If you’re a fan of soulful singer songwriters, look no further than this vibrant and engaging track from Nicky Murray. Everything from production to voice inflection all feels perfectly catered to this sound. There’s a beautiful harmony vocal that makes the song go from good to great. The understated rhythmic syncopation makes the song feel comfortable and smooth. Once the piano solo pops into the track, the mood shifts into a soulful, chilled out space. I love the entire air of this recording; it’s not just the lyrics or the notes. It’s a whole vibe and I’m here for it.
Image courtesy: Nicky Murray IG
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