Rae Isla – “What if I die flying over Oklahoma?”
-Every once in a while I hear a track that just feels like it’s from another time in the best way. I got that vibe from this new track by Rae Isla. The understated vocal does a nice job of riding the wave of the string instrumentation. It’s got shades of bluegrass, roots country, and certainly something that feels timeless. The plucky mandolin shines through in the midst of the guitars, creating a lovely mood for the track. The lyrics are a tad bittersweet, reflecting on how being out on the road means that you miss a lot back home… but it’s difficult to imagine not living the musician life. The hypothetical question in the title is fair… what happens if this touring life costs everything? It’s unsettling, but the melodic turn (that slightly reminds me of “Whiskey Lullaby”) is perfect for the bittersweet lyrical content; it all comes together masterfully.
The Pairs – “Past My Prime”
-I’ll try not to say the same thing I say every time I feature The Pairs… the vocals are… (ok, here I go again). The vocals are OUTSTANDING… EXCEPTIONAL… GORGEOUS… BREATHTAKING. There, I think I got them all. But seriously the vocal blending on this song is truly wonderful. The listener doesn’t just hear these harmonies; they are felt. It’s a truly exceptional composition, complete with some subtle strings in the background that set the stage for the vocal harmonies. The lyrics are about the crowd claiming that you’re past your prime; this is speculation, but the admonition seems to be about settling down or doing something more traditionally expected. But you know what… DO YOU! Live your life. We’re all benefitting from this captivating art.
Chloe Hoecker – “Born to Love”
-“The good Lord made me strong enough to walk away…” This is a power ballad in expressive, calm melodic structure. The thing that caught my attention most about this track from Chloe Hoecker was how it’s both bold and tender at the same time. I have a friend who claims a “strong back, soft front” and that’s the mood I get from this track, for sure. Hoecker’s vocal is soft enough to make you believe every word she says. The lyrical concept is about seeking a man who “loves… like Jesus,” so there’s a spiritual element to the song. Some of the vocal slides feel like quintessential country music in the vein of Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline. I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability it took to write a song like this. It’s definitely one worth spinning, sharing, and feeling.
Image courtesy: Chloe Hoecker IG
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