2016 seems like it's been the year of the songwriter, with many prominent songwriters in Nashville finally releasing music under their own name. Alyssa Bonagura is the most recent addition to the list. She completely wrote and co-wrote her record. It was recorded live at Petti Sound in Nashville, and was co-produced by Bonagura and Mark Petaccia. She also plays on the album, with the songs featuring her on acoustic guitar, piano, ukelele, and 5 other instruments.
Bonagura spends a lot of time on the record defining herself as an artist, and as a person. Writing for other people has been a full-time job for her over the last several years, and also making music with her band The Sisterhood with Ruby Stewart. But now she's identifying herself as a solo country act. Her last solo release was in 2012, with Love Hard, which was a more pop-oriented project. Road Less Travelled is a Stevie Nicks-like interpretation of modern country music, relying heavily on acoustic instrumentals and Bonagura's unique, raspy vocals.
On "Comin' Up From the Underground," Bonagura begins the record by establishing herself as one-of-a-kind in country music. "I'm a little bit hippy, little rock and roll. Got a free spirit with a deep soul," she sings, off the bat marking herself as a outsider. She even mentions her friend 'Ruby' (most likely talking about bandmate Ruby Stewart). The song could be an anthem for underdogs, but in this sense, it seems like Bonagura is speaking of the songwriters-turned-artists movement happening in Nashville right now: with the songwriters who have been writing in the shadows for so many years finally getting the recognition they deserve.
On "Comin' Up From the Underground," Bonagura begins the record by establishing herself as one-of-a-kind in country music. "I'm a little bit hippy, little rock and roll. Got a free spirit with a deep soul," she sings, off the bat marking herself as a outsider. She even mentions her friend 'Ruby' (most likely talking about bandmate Ruby Stewart). The song could be an anthem for underdogs, but in this sense, it seems like Bonagura is speaking of the songwriters-turned-artists movement happening in Nashville right now: with the songwriters who have been writing in the shadows for so many years finally getting the recognition they deserve.
"Road Less Traveled" has the same title as Lauren Alaina's new single, but they couldn't be farther apart in sound. "I ain't gonna chase money or fame / I'm just gonna do what makes me smile," she sings, setting her again, apart from the money-making business that Nashville and the music industry has turned into. The most interesting is: "I don't need to play no one's game," which could be directly alluding to those who have wanted her to play the Nashville game. She refused, as told in this mellow, beautiful track.
"Rebel" is the best song on the album, and it also just received a brand new music video. The song again, defines Bonagura, but this time as a saint and a sinner, and "a human trying to figure out this place we call earth," and "a believer trying to figure out who [she] is." It's piano based, and you won't find a more relatable, or frankly, human song in any genre.
"Rebel" is the best song on the album, and it also just received a brand new music video. The song again, defines Bonagura, but this time as a saint and a sinner, and "a human trying to figure out this place we call earth," and "a believer trying to figure out who [she] is." It's piano based, and you won't find a more relatable, or frankly, human song in any genre.
The pure beauty of this stripped down music is evident most in "Heavy on My Mind," a simply written track that highlights Bonagura's vocals, and her power as a songwriter, even when she only sings a few words. "Like A Child" is a soft-spoken track until after the 2:20 mark, where the instrumentals kick in and continue for three more minutes. The long track is a risk, but the crescendos and decrescendos that occurs throughout the track makes it an appealing and incredible listen. "Angel" closes off the record with soaring strings and a sweet sentiment that Bonagura has proven she does so well.
"Crying" is a song of rebellion, speaking of the pain of music-making. "I'm just a part of the machine, it's rough, trying to live a dream," she sings. This song echoes the sentiment of another songwriter-turned-singer Caitlyn Smith, who on "This Town Is Killing Me," sings of how Nashville knocks her down all of the time, but she can't leave because she's chasing her dream, and she needs to prove them wrong. This song has a more of a desperate feel than Smith's, and Bonagura captures the pain and heartbreak of being a songwriter in this crazy music business.
The ninth song on the record is one of the most interesting, titled "Who I Want the World To See." In a year like 2016, when the media has been filled with hate and negativity, this song is incredibly timely. Bonagura asks herself if she is putting out the best version of herself in this song, prompting the listener to question themselves, and their life. These kind of simple songs are the best songs, encouraging people to look at themselves and evaluate their life.
Road Less Traveled is exactly what Nashville needs. Bonagura quietly alludes to the problems in Nashville through an acoustic record that doesn't have any gloss on it. This record is a protest record, but a subtle one. It points out Nashville's flaws in a dignified way, that works much better than any critic or musician screaming about songs that aren't country. It's the exact opposite from most of the country music being released. That's what makes it so great: not just that it's different, but by being different, it's making a difference.
Best tracks: Rebel, Crying, Heavy on My Mind, Who I Want the World To See
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 5 crowns
"Crying" is a song of rebellion, speaking of the pain of music-making. "I'm just a part of the machine, it's rough, trying to live a dream," she sings. This song echoes the sentiment of another songwriter-turned-singer Caitlyn Smith, who on "This Town Is Killing Me," sings of how Nashville knocks her down all of the time, but she can't leave because she's chasing her dream, and she needs to prove them wrong. This song has a more of a desperate feel than Smith's, and Bonagura captures the pain and heartbreak of being a songwriter in this crazy music business.
The ninth song on the record is one of the most interesting, titled "Who I Want the World To See." In a year like 2016, when the media has been filled with hate and negativity, this song is incredibly timely. Bonagura asks herself if she is putting out the best version of herself in this song, prompting the listener to question themselves, and their life. These kind of simple songs are the best songs, encouraging people to look at themselves and evaluate their life.
Road Less Traveled is exactly what Nashville needs. Bonagura quietly alludes to the problems in Nashville through an acoustic record that doesn't have any gloss on it. This record is a protest record, but a subtle one. It points out Nashville's flaws in a dignified way, that works much better than any critic or musician screaming about songs that aren't country. It's the exact opposite from most of the country music being released. That's what makes it so great: not just that it's different, but by being different, it's making a difference.
Best tracks: Rebel, Crying, Heavy on My Mind, Who I Want the World To See
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 5 crowns
RSS Feed
