Emily Hearn
Hourglass/Old Prince Records
Be warned: Emily Hearn will be your new favorite singer-songwriter. On her sophomore effort Hearn grows artistically by leaps and bounds with a rich, understated vocal prowess, a sonic palette beyond the country and folk stylings of earlier albums, and lyrics that are simultaneously clever, profound and catchy. This relationship-focused record makes it’s mark with atmospheric country pop (“The Oak Tree”), ’80s-era modern rock (“Save Me”), Gospel (“Thank God You’re Holding Me”) and ambient folk (“Long Summer), and all the while Hearn anchors the songs with moody, emotional trajectories. The radio-ready “Annie” calls out “Don’t you dare make this all about him/ Because he’s never made it all about you” and is bound to be a hit. Introspective and wondrous, Hourglass is certain to go down as one of the year’s smartest, most satisfying releases.
JD McPherson
Let the Good Times Roll/Rounder Records
JD McPherson is a throwback to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. His echoing vocals ring with melodies and rhythms pulled straight from Motown, surf and Jerry Lee Lewis records, and the album swings enough to compare with a Brian Setzer project. The title track is a dance fest from the word go, and the groovy “It’s All Over But The Shouting” is a Chuck Berry-style hip shaker. McPherson goes for blow-the-house-down soul on tracks like “Bossy” and “You Must Have Met Little Caroline?” while still maintaining a modern flair on this time warp of a release. Let the Good Times Roll, indeed.
Brandi Carlile
The Firewatcher’s Daughter/ATO Records
One of the hallmarks of Carlile’s work has always been the raw energy that filters through her songs. It’s as evident on subdued tracks like “Bear Creek,” as it is on the kinetic rocker and fan favorite “The Story.” On The Firewatcher’s Daughter, Carlile is in full force, moving seamlessly between throaty growl and honey vocals paired with heart-on-the-sleeve-level lyrics. Gritty rockers like “Blood Muscle Skin and Bone” are made more electric when she shouts about her need to be with someone strong when she is weak, and “The Things I Regret” and “Beginning to Feel the Years” offer an unflinching hindsight. The album spends a lot of time in the folk and Americana genres, but “Mainstream Kid” stands out as a hoot and holler, dance yourself silly rock song that’s too much fun to pass up.