In a world where genre boundaries often feel rigid, KC Jones brings a breath of fresh air with her album Queen of the In Between, embracing the spaces where musical styles meet and merge. From start to finish, the album is a captivating blend of country, rock, blues, and Americana, each track weaving together a patchwork of influences that feels distinctively her own. It’s a bold debut that cements Jones as an artist unafraid to explore the edges while remaining deeply grounded in heartfelt songwriting.
Right from the opening track, “Beginnings and Ends,” Jones makes it clear that she’s got something to say. Her voice, rich and soulful, carries an undeniable presence, effortlessly gliding from smoky blues to a raw, country rasp that gives each song its emotional depth. There’s an edge to her delivery that’s balanced by an undeniable vulnerability that feels evident in every line that she delivers; it’s not a juxtaposition so much as a complimentary mix for a sound that demands attention.
Standout tracks like “Heat Rises” and “Queen of the In Between” showcase Jones’s ability to traverse multiple genres without missing a beat. The former has an irresistible groove, driven by swampy blues riffs that feel as hot and sticky as a Southern summer night. The title track, on the other hand, leans into a more introspective, alt-country sound, with reflective lyrics that explore themes of identity and the complexities of life in transition. The way she navigates these sonic shifts feels effortless, as if Jones is a natural inhabitant of these borderlands between musical worlds.
One of the album’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak, personal growth, or simply living life on her own terms, there’s an authenticity to her lyrics that feels refreshingly honest. Tracks like “Don’t You Worry Baby” and “Two Ships” are steeped in the classic country tradition of narrative songwriting, but with a modern edge that keeps them from feeling too nostalgic. You can hear shades of influences like Lucinda Williams and Bonnie Raitt, but Jones manages to carve out her own voice amid these giants.
Instrumentally, Queen of the In Between is a rich tapestry of sounds. There’s plenty of twangy guitar work for country purists, but also swampy slide guitar, bluesy rhythms, and rock-tinged flourishes that give the album a wide appeal. The production is polished yet retains enough rawness to let Jones’s powerful voice and poignant lyrics take center stage.
KC Jones has delivered an album that feels fearless in its willingness to occupy the spaces between genres, and in doing so, she’s created something that’s wholly unique. Queen of the In Between is a debut that doesn’t just announce KC Jones as an emerging voice in Americana and country—it establishes her as an artist with the versatility, depth, and authenticity to thrive on her own terms. If you’re a fan of roots music that breaks the mold while staying true to its core, this is an album that demands your attention.
*NOTE: I realize that this album released in 2021, but I’m going with the adage “better late than never.” This album is too good not to feature here. Thank you for considering it, even a little late. The nice thing is these songs will literally never go out of style; they’re timeless.
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