Applewood Road

Applewood Road

2017 - Gearbox Records.  In late 2014, three songwriters met for the first time at a café in Nashville.  Within twenty-four hours they had created their first song called “Applewood Road.”  Six months later; Emily Barker, Amber Rubarth and Amy Speace; reconvened to write, rehearse and record songs for their self-titled album.  This album showcases the tight harmonies on a collection of fourteen songs, which contain thirteen originals and one cover.  The album closes with an adequate cover of R.E.M.’s 1991 hit song “Losing My Religion.”  As for the rest of the album—it’s quite bland and undistinctive. This trio creates a soft and gentle layered melody that is mixed with cultivated lyrics.  There are times in which my mind strays from the album as the melodies are quite relaxing.  More so, it is the lyrics that set my mind on a stroll as they do not stand out enough to request my attention.  Granted, many of the songs contain beautiful lyrics as in the case of “Home Fires,” nonetheless they lack that special something that captures my attention.  Another song worth seeking is “Lovin’ Eyes.”  However, it too lacks the concentration needed.  Perhaps the best song on this album is “I’m Not Afraid Anymore.”  Nonetheless, it still neglects that special ingredient to grab the listener’s attention.  Overall, this album is quite sophisticated and requires the attention of a listener who is deep into the meaning behind the lyrics rather than the entertainment factor of the song.  With that mindset this album is quite fascinating, although many parts of it are crudely recorded as I can hear the realistic attributes of the recording process within each of the songs.  All in all this is an album for the intellectual and sophisticated listener.  For me, it is really not one that I would visit again as it lacks the entertainment factor that comes with music. $$$

(This review was printed in the September / October 2017 issue of Strictly Country Magazine.)

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