Three Americana tunes that you’ll be overjoyed to add to your rotation

Tagore Chayne – “i’mma stop by on the way home”
-I’m not sure if Chayne sounds more like a vintage folkster like Woody Guthrie or like a contemporary soul artist like Ray Lamontagne; I think he’s just a little bit of both and I’m ok with that. There’s even a dash of Dylan in the phrasing in some places that I really appreciate. The way the lyrics feel like they jump right into an existing relationship and moment also feels a lot like a Dylan tune. But I really appreciate that there’s a penetrating sincerity to the composition; it’s got force to it and even though it is easy to listen to, it commands your attention in a way that is rare in folk music these days. Chayne reminds me of an artist playing in the corner of a coffeeshop where you just can’t get your work done or have a conversation because he’s so distractingly good. This song commands the room in the best way.

Emmy Ryan – “The End of the World”
-It’s not a new topic for country music to address the pending end of the world, but I like this fresh take on things here. It’s a bouncy, optimistic energy despite what should be (for most of us) sad news about the end of the world. The bright mandolin work on this track is particularly enjoyable. The vocal is charming and inviting. It’s about resource exploitation and war bringing the end of the world, but despite that theme, the song feels like an inviting and enjoyable listen. It’s also a reminder to enjoy today because we sure don’t know how much longer we have.

Maya Abee – “Gravity”
-Let’s start with the melody; I really like the melody of this song. Some of the transitions feel comfortable and, although reminiscent of earlier eras, they feel like a purposeful homage. Abee’s vocal is on point, bringing a seasoned jazzy flavor to an otherwise pop composition. The electric guitars have a lightness that allows for a light rock-based sound that is comfortable and engaging. The lyrics dance around a romantic theme while not feeling too ominously heavy. My favorite part, though, to no one’s surprise are the vocal harmonies on the chorus. I love the timelessness of this composition and hope to hear much more from Maya Abee in the future; this is my kind of music.