Alex Rogers – “Hand Me Down”
-If you’re a fan of alt country and Americana music, there’s a lot to like about the style of this track from Alex Rogers. If you recall, last year one of my top artists was Red Clay Strays and honestly Rogers is in a similar space here. It’s a bluesy, almost melancholy style of Americana that holds a lot of emotional energy to it. There’s an almost gospel-like sensibility in some of the chord choices as well. The vocal is outstanding and the whole performance begs for listeners to sit up and pay attention. I like the whole dang thing, but those little flourishes from the organ take this one from good to great.
ZZ Ward – “Love Alive”
-Before you click play on this one, you might just want to sit down. I don’t like to throw away wild vocal comps, but honestly ZZ Ward deserves to be in the same conversation as the powerhouse Amy Winehouse. It’s a raw bluesy vocal that soars with a beauty that’s really difficult to put into the words. To be able to sing with such emotion while having the power to maintain the upper register is insanely impressive. I could listen to this kind of music all the live long day. It’s a declaration of love and purpose; it’s an encouragement and a wish for the hard work it takes to keep love alive. As someone months away from year 19 with my best friend, let me just say that this sentiment is spot on. Sing it, ZZ!
David Jane – “Five and Dime”
-From the first strum of the acoustic guitar and the initial expressive poetic line, I knew this was going to be a good song. There’s this mysterious energy to this track that feels just right from the start. By the time the chorus hits, though, it opens up into something that feels a bit like pop rock. The moodiness is contraposed beautifully with the open lightness on the chorus. The second verse carries the same openness from the chorus with a lyrical vision for a life together with the person the song is for and about. It’s both visionary and romantic, all while having this key lyric about the importance of sitting alone to figure things out. I love the way the messages interweave into a relatable and emotional core idea. I am a bit unsettled by how much I can relate to this song, but I am immeasurably glad to hear that it exists. It’s a work of art.
Image courtesy: David Jane IG
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