“The lyrical wordplay makes this track mesmerizing even before you take into account the emotive and talented vocals of Sydney Lauren. This track reminds me a bit of the songwriting of Jason Isbell, with a vocal style reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves.
If I had to call a genre I’d say Americana, but really this well-written track is simply good music no matter what you call it.”
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
“Becky Krill is summer vibing with this track that opens with a nostalgic, folksy feel before slipping into more of an Electro Pop groove as it progresses.
’Alive in the Summertime’ offers a light energy of optimism in a world that often feels pessimistic these days. I did find myself wishing the track had another verse to keep the good feelings going a bit longer.”
“Corey Quinn Farrell gives us this poetic Folk song that feels as much like literature, as it does a song. The cello and guitar melody add a layer of emotion that compliments the heartfelt lyrics.
’Melancholy Lullaby’ is a fond remembrance of a love that has drifted apart and the nostalgic refrain carries a tinge of sad melancholy, but also offers a kindness in its recollections that makes the track feel sweet and tender.”
“We have all been to those parties or gatherings when we had to show our face even though we truly wanted to be anyplace else. Playing nice against your will is tough, and ‘People I Don’t Like’ is the sexiest, most alluring song about boredom and obligation you will ever hear.
An ode to the fakeness of societal demands. ”
“A slow, soulful track that hints at the Blues behind a songwriter emotional vibe. The ocean and our journey through life form a strong metaphor that is brought to life by these emotion laden vocals and a nice arrangement that serves this track quite well. This is stripped down songwriting and performing that feels far bigger than it actually is thanks to the talent behind it.”
“Some of us simply feels things more deeply, and dare I say openly, than others. Sarah Barrios reveals the introspective pain of being an ‘Emotional’ person that not only feels more deeply, but is willing to acknowledge those emotions rather than burying and pushing them away. The vocals are sweetly vulnerable and in them you can feel the angst and turmoil. ”
“Victor Dahlberg hails from Stockholm, but now calls Spain home and his sound conjured thoughts of John Hiatt for me.
Is every not perfect? No. But every note instills a feeling and emotion and you can feel the genuine passion behind both the songwriting and the arrangement. This lands in Americana realm of the Singer/Songwriter world and just feels captivating in its open, honest vibe. ”
“Bringing a vintage sound to her vocals, Eddy Lee Ryder breathes new life into the fem-dom of Rock and Roll with a sound that hints at Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett. But the influence of Springsteen and Petty is lurking there as well, making this a pure return to the glory days of the big bold emotional rock ballad. ”
“This mid tempo Track from Very Very brings a stream-of-conscious type of emotion with a vocal flow that is alluring and bare in its honesty. The beat backing the track is a subtle and simple addition that really adds depth while also pushing the track forward enough that it does not feel too languid. ”
“Like any kind of high we find in this world, be they artificial, chemical, or purely natural ... like falling in love, what goes up must eventually come down.
’Clean Slate’ explores the emotions of that arc. The euphoria of getting swept up and feeling like the world is sunshine and rainbows and the realization that once that bliss wears off a bit you are still much the same, but that is not to say you can’t acknowledge and do your best to erase the things you want to let go of in order to embrace the possibilities ahead.”
“Silk Tonic delivers this emotive ode to the stunning power of love. The vibe is one of nostalgia, sunshine, and acute emotions that strike without warning. ‘Summertime’ takes you for that ride though the track feels entirely contemporary and in that combination comes a timeless sound that is gripping and easy to lose yourself into.”
“The pendulum of awareness and compassion does seem to be swinging the right direction overall, but with it comes the desire of both well-meaning and misguided hearts who don’t know how to handle sadness when they see it. This track is about needing to sit and process sadness without the pressure to put on a happy front for the world around us. The vocals deliver solid believable emotions and the production brings this out as well.”
Rating: 4 out of 5
“The track comes in with a funky little organ keyboard vibe that preludes Estella Dawn’s vocals. The performance feels heartfelt, and in it you can feel the haunting effects of her nightmares which revisit a toxic relationship and her part in that past. The arrangement and mix helps bring out the sentiments of the lyrics. ”
“The soft earnest emotion of this track kept me tethered in. The song writing is intelligent and emotional and while the ‘Lemonade’ metaphor is one used quite often, it works here because of its simplicity in that it comes with a universal understanding that needs no explanation. The lyrics bring in other elements of the struggle that is life, and that, combined with an emotive performance, is where this track stands out.”
“Sometimes the greatest moments don’t last forever. Joel Blackmon is a talented singer songwriter who wants to wake up in the morning next to that special person. His new single is a summer love vibe of rolling over looking into the face of someone amazing. He longs for her to stay around even if its just until the morning.”
“Ellen Degeneres is always known to recognize stars and singer songwriter Anna Graceman is surely a star. In a dramatic yet opera setting her new singe ‘Night Follows’ is her testimony of a tragic moment when she was carjacked and held at gunpoint. This song is for survivors who still battle with those traumatizing moments. Even when the night still follows you must remember you survived it all.”
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
“Imagination! As an idea people might call imagination a flight of fancy best utilized by little kids. But as a principle, imagination is at the heart of everything from innovation to who we are as people.
’Believe In Me’ is a track that is as nuanced and deliberate as you imagine it to be. And the masked duo comprising The Image fall in the same category. The video here is spectacular and I encourage you to listen and watch and decide for yourself what your imagination is telling you to believe in. ”
“The melody captured my attention first ,and then the vocal tone came in with its strong emotive quality to further hook me. The lyrics are also poignant and honest and the elements are well-balanced and complimentary of each other giving this single a well rounded emotional appeal that fits the singer/songwriter genre quite well.”
“Liz Longley drops one of those highly personal tracks that feels like as much confession, or at least expression as it does entertainment. That is not to say the vocals and performance is any less entertaining because of that intimate nature. Longley raised more than $150,000 to buy the album back from her former label so it is a labor of love and passion from not only herself, but her fans and that spirit of determination shines through. ”
“Alex Gibson gives us a soaring love song that elevates energetically as it progresses. Light and airy in a classic kind of way, ‘Dance With You’ delivers that John Mayer-esque vibe that sweeps you along with its upbeat emotion and outright honest fun.
Gibson is a rising talent from Australia, though his time in London has certainly influenced his sound as well.”