Bryony Sier has entered early into the festive season with a faithful adaptation of a Christmas novella. ‘Picture Not So Perfect’ is titled after Stephanie O’Neil’s debut publication, and retells the story of protagonist Holly in charming detail. It is essentially a love story in which Holly, after losing her mother at a young ageContinue reading “Bryony Sier – Picture Not So Perfect”
Category Archives: Single Reviews
The Goudies – Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Cover)
One of the unexpected highlights at this year’s British Country Music Festival was a cover of the theme tune to classic sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Wales-based duo The Goudies fashioned a completely new take on this beloved song, with surprisingly successful results. Its popularity with live audiences is perhaps one of the reasonsContinue reading “The Goudies – Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Cover)”
Amy-Jo – Coming Close
There’s great irony in the title of Amy-Jo’s single ‘Coming Close’. That’s because the Morecambe-based singer/songwriter has struck gold with this, an instant hit that is far from the “silver medal” that she talks about in the chorus. The uncomplicated musical arrangement allows the song to really shine, as it’s the lyrics and Amy-Jo’s vocalContinue reading “Amy-Jo – Coming Close”
Rebecca Richards – Unluckiest of Hearts
Rebecca Richards has felt all the emotions bar one on debut single ‘Unluckiest of Hearts’. The Welsh singer has “felt sad… bad… fury… [and] boiling mad / but I’ve never felt love” on a track that laments the fact through jazz-infused blues. One can picture her in the corner of a smoky bar in theContinue reading “Rebecca Richards – Unluckiest of Hearts”
Jess and the Bandits – Emotional Baggage
Beneath the light exterior of Jess and the Bandits’ latest single is a serious message about life as a working mum. ‘Emotional Baggage’ comes from lead singer Jessica Clemmons’ own experience of trying to manage a career with two sons in tow. The result is a song that contains many scenes from the typical parent’sContinue reading “Jess and the Bandits – Emotional Baggage”
Poppy Fardell – Good Girl
At a time when both the nation and the world have been paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, the new single from Poppy Fardell feels ever more prescient. ‘Good Girl’ speaks of female empowerment. Its central question is “Who’s to say what a girl is and what she isn’t?”. In a world of purelyContinue reading “Poppy Fardell – Good Girl”
Shay Gaston – Since Seventeen
Take one listen to Shay Gaston’s ‘Since Seventeen’ and it’s hard not to become an instant fan. The Reading-based singer is surely one of the most exciting newcomers to the UK Country scene in 2022 with this, her debut single. There is a clear and obvious link to the music of Taylor Swift, of whomContinue reading “Shay Gaston – Since Seventeen”
Hawthorn Avenue – Ticket Home
Simplicity sometimes makes for the best songs. Hawthorn Avenue’s new single, ‘Ticket Home’, may have only a one-line chorus, but there’s something about its arrangement that captivates. The combination of tambourine, banjo, drums and guitar somehow work together to create a vibrant sound over which the duo’s gently flowing vocals sail. This extends to theContinue reading “Hawthorn Avenue – Ticket Home”
Beth Keeping – Plane Tickets
You wait forever for a song about singleness and then two come along in quick succession. The latest, ‘Plane Tickets’, by Beth Keeping, comes hot on the heels of ‘When’s It Gonna Happen’ from Tenille Townes. But whereas the latter reaches for some kind of romantic ideal, Keeping remains firmly focused on her experience ofContinue reading “Beth Keeping – Plane Tickets”
Paige Wolfe and Katy Hurt – A Joint Review
Both Paige Wolfe and Katy Hurt have made a wish this weekend. On the one hand, their wishes are very different. Yet at the heart of both of their new singles lies the theme of acceptance. In the case of Katy’s ‘Wish I Could Give You Up’, it is acceptance for the journey she hasContinue reading “Paige Wolfe and Katy Hurt – A Joint Review”