Joanna Yaeger - Won’t Be Moved Song Review

Won’t Be Moved is a new offering by Joanna Yaeger.  Well worth a listen this song is catchy and definitely radio friendly.  It is also very classy and shows off Joanna’s vocals to the full.  This song blends modern country with pop, the end result is a fresh sounding top quality song.  In Joanna’s vocals there are hints of Carrie Underwood.  Joanna’s vocals are strong and powerful, really giving the song volume and depth.  One listen isn’t enough to fully appreciate this wonderful song.

Paul McClure - Smiling From The Floor Up

If you are looking for an album of well written delicately sung songs then look no further!!!!

Paul McClure is a talented singer/songwriter from Rutland. His third solo album SMILING FROM THE FLOOR UP features ten songs that speak to listeners through their lyrics and gentle vocals. Long Gone Out Of Here has a wonderful acoustic sound. A great opening track this song is lyrically strong and puts plenty of emphasis on Paul’s wonderful vocals. There is a unique rawness to Paul’s voice, which hasn’t been erased by production. Pollyanna is a quirky song, which blends a touch of blues with Paul’s more traditional acoustic sound. The lyrics tell an interesting story, which is quite dark and twisted. Listening to this song I feel like I am immersed in an episode of Twin Peaks. Hannah Elton-Wall harmonises on the vocals giving the song a ghostly haunting sound. This song certainly lures you in for a much closer listen. Lost And Found is a slightly more up-tempo song with a strong beat. For You sees the pace slow once again. This is a delightful song, which puts all the emphasis on Paul’s heady vocals. More of a ballad this song is reminiscent of James Taylor in his hey day. Any Number You Like (As Long As Its Four) seems the album take a complete change of tempo. This is a rousing sing a long song with the piano taking pride of place. Song 6 is a gentle lyrically driven song. The lyrics are expressive yet quite simplistic. A charming song that goes to show less is quite often more! Keep It Together has echoes of James Taylor once again. Another vocally driven acoustic song that is classy but not over done. The injection of the female harmony gives the song added depth. Hannah Elton-Wall’s vocals blend perfectly with Paul’s creating a wonderful atmospheric sound. The title song Smiling From The Floor Up features some stunning instrumentation provided by Joe Bennett on the lap steel. This is a really laid back acoustic song infused with a slight hint of blues. Although this is a rather short song it is still breath taking and leaves you as a listener wanting to hear more. Lola Rose is a quirky old fashioned sounding song featuring a huge array of instrumentation. The album ends on a strong note with another lyrically driven slow song Moments Lost. This song has poignant lyrics that are both emotive and magical. Quite a sad song to end on but also one that makes you ponder and think about your own life. All those precious moments that you have squandered and all those significant events you witnessed but will never get the chance to see again. These lyrics are raw and powerful yet come across as simple and unrefined. All ten songs on this album are obviously written from the heart and sung with grace.  Paul’s voice is tender and captivating always luring the listener in. A beautiful mix of heady acoustic ballads and quirky original songs.  The highlights are almost too numerous to mention but there are two stand out songs on this album Pollyanna and Moments Lost. Paul is not only a great vocalist as evidenced here he is also a genius with words. His lyrics read like poetry or dark twisted stories. All in all this is a wonderful example of good acoustic music written and sung well. 

Daniel Goodman - Keys To The Kingdom

Poetic lyrics turned into wonderful songs

Daniel Goodman is a talented singer/songwriter whose songs set poetic lyrics to music. His latest offering is a classy four track EP featuring songs that showcase a new side to Daniel’s music. This EP was recorded at the world renowned Magic Shop Recording Studio and produced by Mario J McNulty, who has produced music for the likes of David Bowie and Lou Reed. Unlike Daniel’s full length albums, which are largely acoustic in sound, this EP introduces a mix of musical instruments. There is a large dose of 1970’s folk/rock blended into the musical style of the songs offered here yet Daniel always manages to retain his unique vocals. With all four songs self-penned there are plenty of lyrics to get excited about. Keys To The Kingdom starts off slowly and builds into a dramatic chorus. The music also fluctuates giving the song depth and the song character. This is a rocky song with strong vocals that manage to ride above the rousing music. Daniel’s vocals are rough, spirited and rather charming on the ear. This song is great to listen to with the volume turned up high. Long Time Waiting  is a much slower offering. Quite charming Daniel’s vocals are raw and emotive. The musical backing is laid back allowing the vocals and lyrics to take centre stage. This is a beautiful song that really tugs at the heart strings. This song is the closest thing on the EP to the style of music on Daniel’s previous released albums. Orphan’s Song sees the tempo go up a gear. This is a really rousing rocky pop/folk song. The lyrics are really clever and well constructed, also quite succinct in places. Listeners will feel themselves being transported back to the days of Woodstock upon listening to this song. If this song doesn’t have you dancing then I don’t know what will! Sons Of Cain completes the EP. This is a heavy song with great instrumentation. Another song that feels like it wouldn’t have been out of place in the 70’s. Once again it is Daniel’s unique and raw vocals that grab you. He manages to tell a story just by altering his tone of voice. A great song to end on, you really feel like you have been treated to some excellent music upon listening to this EP. It is a shame that this is only an EP and not a full length album as there is plenty to wet your appetite here and make you long to hear more. SH

Luke De-Sciscio – Song Review

Luke De-Sciscio is a highly talented singer/songwriter from the South West.  Fresh faced and obviously very enthusiastic about his music Luke has an evocative voice.  His music fails to be pigeon-holed into any one category, which is a refreshing change in today’s society.  His vocals are delicate, charming and quite angelic.  They have a wonderful power and easily switch between a haunting, raw organic acoustic sound and an angst ridden rocky style.  His guitar playing is quite brilliant.  Never overdone the music he creates is atmospheric and also at times very understated. 

Patterns of Revolution is a beautiful song; here Luke’s vocals are angelic yet blended with stronger punchy lines that convey the heavier side of the lyrics.  The chorus is gentle yet the lyrics are meaningful and poignant.  This song has a dreamy quality about it.  Throughout the song you feel like you are being transported on a musical journey.  The guitar playing is sublime and a joy to listen to.  This is an exquisite song that showcases Luke’s amazing vocals as well as his wonderful guitar playing.  Fused together this song is perfect!

Love Your Mother is a slow song with a great organic sound.  Luke’s vocals build throughout the song, not to a big crescendo but to a moderately rousing finale.  Instrumentation is stripped back on this song yet builds at the all important times creating drama and emotion in the song. 

As I Sit Here Aging is another lovely example of how music and vocals can work in harmony to create a dramatic passion filled sound.  Luke’s vocals are powerful and full of zeal.  This song has a little more pop infused into its organic sound however it still sounds unique. 

I Am Done is slightly more up-tempo than most of Luke’s other songs.  Luke’s vocals are angst ridden on this vocally driven track.  With injections of rock Luke proves his vocals are really up to belting out a powerful number. 

For The Road showcases Luke’s mesmerizing vocals.  Luke’s vocals need to be heard to be really appreciated.  This is a strong vocally driven song.  Luke’s transitions from angelic high pitched vocals to angst ridden lines are seamless. 

Boston is definitely an angst ridden song with powerful vocals.  Strong lyrics belted out with gruff vocals give this song purpose.  Here Luke proves how dynamic his vocal style is.  Quite a change from his other songs this is evidence of how versatile Luke can be in his musical styles.

I Don’t Hold You Anymore highlights Luke’s striking vocals once again.  Luke’s soft, charismatic sound is a pure joy to listen to.  Always sounding refreshing and captivating.  This song puts Luke’s vocals before the instrumentation.  Something he does on most of his numbers, always allowing his vocals to take centre stage.

Working Title is another song that allows Luke’s vocal range to shine and shine it certainly does.  This is another example of Luke at his best.  A lovely slow song with beautiful lyrics. 

Listening to Luke’s music is exhausting as you find yourself wrapped up in the lyrics of the songs as well as being fully engaged in the vocals, which are at times beyond belief.  An outstandingly talented young man, Luke’s skills as a singer and a songwriter can only grow and grow.  As a musician Luke is extremely talented.  Luke’s slower songs are perhaps his best as they convey more emotion and perhaps offer up a little more of Luke’s soul.  

David Newbould And The Stowaways - The Devil Is His Name

David Newbould And The Stowaways

The Devil Is His Name

*****

David Newbould is a talented singer/songwriter whose music has appeared on many popular television shows.  His music mixes country and rock together to create an exciting sound.  David’s vocals are powerful, interesting and intense.  Although not a household name David enjoys a large following of devoted fans.  David’s latest offering is an EP featuring four songs.  Although short in length this is a lovely listen.  The opening song and title track The Devil Is His Name is rocky country at its very best.  David’s vocals are edgy and have plenty of depth.  This song offers up plenty of atmosphere and character and would be perfect for the soundtrack of a show like True Detective.  Although the instrumentation is rousing David’s vocals are never overshadowed.  Love You Like I Don’t Know How is a slow country song.  Charming and very organic in sound, this song is certainly beautiful to listen to.  David’s vocals are full of passion and sound earthy and raw.  As the music fades you find yourself longing for more.  Standing At The Crossroads Too Long sees a change in tempo.  This song is a strong country/rock song with a hint of blues thrown in for good measure.  David’s vocal style brings to mind John Mellencamp or Bruce Springsteen blended with Bob Dylan.  A powerful song with great lyrics.  This song highlights how easy it is for David to switch from intense to rousing rocky vocals.  Clam Bake City sees the EP draw to a close.  David’s vocals are warm and velvety.  A slow song with a great story weaved into the lyrics.  As with Love You Like I Don’t Know How  this song is beautiful to listen to.  Overall this EP is outstanding, every track is worthy of its place.  David’s vocals bring the songs to life leaving you wanting to hear more.  Love You Like I Don’t Know How and Clam Bake City certainly have the wow factor.  After hearing this you will be longing for a full length album.

Take Me Where The Road Goes EP by Ben Rose

An interesting voice for the future! Ben Rose is a talented singer/songwriter . Coming from a musical family his music combines folk, pop and country together to create something rather unique and interesting. His songs are well crafted and Ben’s vocals are raw and passionate. Night Of Our Lives opens this five track EP. Ben’s vocals take centre stage on this acoustic sounding indie pop infused song. Strong lyrics make this song interesting and give it an added depth. Crazy is a slightly heavier song, which again showcases Ben’s unique vocal style. The lyrics create a vivid image of the story Ben is telling. Angel On The Highway sees the mood lighten again. Ben’s vocals are softer and punctuated by some wonderful guitar playing. Nothing is over done here. The raw acoustic sound that echoes through this EP is what will attract listeners to Ben’s music. How About Tonight has a faster tempo. A catchy melody and Ben’s raw sound give this song a definite edge. This song has quite a strong Americana influence. Ben’s music would not sound out of place on a bleak American drama. There are hints of Jack White in Ben’s style and sound. The final track on this EP is entitled Better Man. An enjoyable slow song that relies heavily on Ben’s vocals to carry listeners to the end of the EP. The five tracks on this EP are well worth listening to, they create atmosphere and give listeners a chance to delve into a world of raw organic music.

Paint The Town Red by Dirt Road Angels

If you are a fan of modern country music then look no further than the new EP by Dirt Road Angels, a group of five female singer songwriters from Canada. Shawna Lynne, Shila Marie, Danita, Karen Claypool and Dahlia Wakefield formed their all girl group in 2013. They went onto release a compilation album shortly after featuring songs from all five girls. This latest release sees the girls show off their wondrous harmonies as they join forces to sing six songs together. All five ladies have incredible voices and this is reflected on PAINT THE TOWN RED. Make Me Wanna is an up-tempo modern country song. The melody is catchy and the vocals are strong. At times it is hard to believe that there are five girls singing their voices blend together so effortlessly. Memories is a beautiful song, slightly slower in tempo. This song has lovely lyrics and an old time country feel yet the voices remain thoroughly modern. The title track Paint The Town Red is a rocky modern country song in the style of early Miranda Lambert. Radio friendly this song has all the makings of a big country hit. Karma is another rock influenced country song. The music is heavy and the vocals once again punchy and strong. Best Friend is a lovely country song; the vocals are showcased with toned down backing music. The lyrics are so truthful giving the song an innocent feel. This is perhaps the highlight of this EP. Blended together on a slower track the girls really do sound angelic. Back Around The Mountain sees the mood pick up pace once more. The final offering on this EP is a modern country song with an old time country feel. As solo singers all five ladies have very different sounds and styles put those together and you have one top class sounding EP. 


is a great album and a real mixed bag of songs. I like the variations between the fast and slow songs. You all have such lovely voices and your voices blend so well together. It is lovely listening to you as one. There are some songs on there that I instantly thought of as hits in their own right. They had the sound of some of the songs floating around the country charts right now. I love your blend of modern country with an older more traditional sound as well.