So, why write music reviews? I have always had a love of music and felt a deeper appreciation for lyrics and what a song can evoke. I started in the music industry working at a talent management company representing artists in pop and country genres. I took a break for a year and then after moving to Nashville I realized I couldn't ever really say goodbye to helping artists achieve their dreams, I mean.. c'mon, it's Nashville. I went out on my own and now represent local country artist, Emily Daniels, and consult other artists in brand development.
If you've ever read my other blogs you know that I love to write, so why not combine my two loves? Viola! Music Review Mondays. I'm hoping to review songs on the top charts as well as songs you can only find in the deep underground. So, without further adieu...
#1. "Bits and Pieces" by JP Cooper (Released Feb. 2020)
My process for picking this first song was to listen to #Spotify's #NewMusicFriday playlist to see what songs stood out to me. This song was a strong stand out from the first piano note. With a strong resemblance to artists such as James Bay and Gavin Degraw.
I was excited to dive into this song as I had never heard of JP Cooper before and was eager to learn about a new (to me) artist. But in doing some digging I see that the UK artist is far from being a newbie.
The song starts off feeling as empty as the artist feels, his voice echoes backed by a somber piano. You'll feel his despair when he sings "covered in silence and concrete", just listen to how "concrete" lingers after, and if you are anything like me... you'll find your eyes starting to well up.
The song then begins to build at the pre-chorus where you can feel the heaviness lift from his voice.
"Patchin' up the cracks and the holes, Fillin' in the gaps with gold, You said you're never givin' up on me I see your, fingerprints around my soul"
The words will lead you to deep introspection and you'll find yourself building in self-confidence with resounding lyrics like "You've built a home" in the chorus. Though it's not fully apparent the nature of the lyrics, it has me questioning if it's from a Spiritual influence.
The chorus is where the true magic and beautiful artistic choices are made clear. You'll notice, especially in the first chorus, the effects in the production make it sound like a shovel is lifting and spilling dirt "patchin' up the cracks and the holes" and the quick succession of percussion beats are familiar of a hammer being slammed down, perhaps building a home?
This song is incredibly versatile- a good listen for when you need a good cry, a rainy day, a worship song, or when you're driving down PCH with the top down.
#2. "Got to Be You" by The Bros. Landreth (released July 2019)
This song came as a recommendation from a friend who loves John Mayer and knows I love him too, so I have to commend his choice.
The Bros. Landreth hail from Canada as an alternative country and folk group. This song reminds me of "Mountain Music" by Alabama and John Mayer's Born & Raised album.
I'm a big fan of the electric guitar plug-in right from the beginning, almost beckoning the feeling of being at a dive bar and the local band is gearing up for their set.
It's a little bluesy, a little folky. It'll make you crave a summer bonfire where you roast marshmallows while your talented guitar friend (we all have one) strums a couple chords and plucks strings with ease.
"She got her hand in my pocket, She walks with a swing, My baby she gives me that old school thang"
At the first drum beat and electric guitar progression I felt transported into a good ole' denim commercial. Maybe a family backyard bbq. Is it summer yet?
You can check out both of these songs on my Spotify playlist "New Music Reviews" here
👇🏼Comment below which song is more your thing 👇🏼
👇🏼If you have recommendations for a song I should review, leave 'em below! 👇🏼
#JPCooper #newmusic #music #alternativecountry #musicreviews #thebroslandreth #spotify #islandrecords #slatecreekrecords
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