Hip hop and rap music over the last decade or so has had more and more influence on country music. Jason Aldean and Toby Keith were the trailblazers of the 'country-rap' genre, molding country and rap music to create hits such as "Dirt Road Anthem" and "I Wanna Talk About Me." More recently, however Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan have adopted the country rap stylings as well as collaborating with Nelly and Jason Derulo. One thing missing from this fad is the women. It's all been men, men, men. But now there is one person who can bring women into this trend: Sarah Ross.
Sarah Ross shocked American Idol judges when she auditioned by first belting out "Mama's Song" and then breaking down into Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." Ross has the incredible talent of being able to belt like Carrie Underwood, and then turn around and rap like a seasoned pro. It is a rare talent for a country artist. The only one who even got close to that was Taylor Swift, but she has never been a good rapper, and had basically left country music behind when she started adding those little break downs into her songs. So therefore, there really isn't any other woman in the industry like Sarah Ross.
The EP kicks off with the title track, "Calm Before The Storm" previously released as a single towards the lead up to the EP release. Starting with acoustic guitar, this track slowly brews into a angry country pop/rock anthem. But the second verse brings a surprise: Sarah Ross rapping. This is the first introduction to Ross's unique artistry for new listeners. Although this style could take many listeners aback the first listen, it does grow on you, and many fans will grow to love the uniqueness of Ross's music. As a first listen and introduction to the EP, this track is brilliant.
In addition to the title track being released on iTunes, "You're No Good" and "Shotgun" were premiered before the EP release, on iTunes and YouTube respectively. The former track is a reworked cover of the Linda Ronstadt hit. A highlight of the record, this is one track that perfectly shows Ross's style. She seamlessly transitions from the singing to the rapping, in a way that many seasoned artists cannot do. The latter track is a darker number, one that could be at home on a horror movie soundtrack, or on an episode of Pretty Little Liars or Criminal Minds. In the vein of "Two Black Cadillacs," Ross tells the story of wanting to shoot her ex for cheating on her. A bit extreme, but surprisingly common for women in country music. This is the most heavily rapped song on the EP, with only sung parts at the choruses. Out of the whole EP, this is definitely the most pop influenced, and one that could be popular with the pop-rap crowd.
The EP kicks off with the title track, "Calm Before The Storm" previously released as a single towards the lead up to the EP release. Starting with acoustic guitar, this track slowly brews into a angry country pop/rock anthem. But the second verse brings a surprise: Sarah Ross rapping. This is the first introduction to Ross's unique artistry for new listeners. Although this style could take many listeners aback the first listen, it does grow on you, and many fans will grow to love the uniqueness of Ross's music. As a first listen and introduction to the EP, this track is brilliant.
In addition to the title track being released on iTunes, "You're No Good" and "Shotgun" were premiered before the EP release, on iTunes and YouTube respectively. The former track is a reworked cover of the Linda Ronstadt hit. A highlight of the record, this is one track that perfectly shows Ross's style. She seamlessly transitions from the singing to the rapping, in a way that many seasoned artists cannot do. The latter track is a darker number, one that could be at home on a horror movie soundtrack, or on an episode of Pretty Little Liars or Criminal Minds. In the vein of "Two Black Cadillacs," Ross tells the story of wanting to shoot her ex for cheating on her. A bit extreme, but surprisingly common for women in country music. This is the most heavily rapped song on the EP, with only sung parts at the choruses. Out of the whole EP, this is definitely the most pop influenced, and one that could be popular with the pop-rap crowd.
Some of the tracks do not feature any rapping, a breath of fresh air to those who do not favor that style. One of those songs is "Happy Hour." Ross takes a different stance on the drinking saying, taking it in the perspective of a bad breakup. While her friends are drinking, she's driving around town, remembering everything about her ex. The only song even close to a ballad, this is a standout track because of the vulnerability that shines through. Ross establishes herself as a tough girl, but this is a soft point of the EP that is much needed.
Like all records, there are also the typical songs that would do well on radio. The song "All About That" is one like that. A female version of a bro-country track, Ross goes the radio friendly route. She does not rap on this song, as she loses a bit of her signature sound, by not quite inserting enough personality into this quite generic song. "Lovin' This Beat" is another song like that, but this song is better. The lyrics are superior, and her vocals mimic the style of Clare Dunn on her most recent single "Move On." The production, however, mimics some tracks on Kelsea Ballerini's record, explained by the common cowriter between this song and that album, Josh Kerr. Ross doesn't full out rap in this track either, but does a bit in the bridge and succeeds on making this song belong to her more than the aforementioned track.
Sarah Ross is, as mentioned many times before, completely unique. She molds a modern form of country, one that is hers. Traditionalists will criticize her, accuse her for not being country enough. But whether she is truly country or not, she is incredibly talented, and has her own thing going on. She will have supporters, and haters, but there is no doubt: Sarah Ross is going to be a superstar.
Best tracks: You're No Good, Happy Hour, Lovin' This Beat
Throwaway tracks: All About That
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
Like all records, there are also the typical songs that would do well on radio. The song "All About That" is one like that. A female version of a bro-country track, Ross goes the radio friendly route. She does not rap on this song, as she loses a bit of her signature sound, by not quite inserting enough personality into this quite generic song. "Lovin' This Beat" is another song like that, but this song is better. The lyrics are superior, and her vocals mimic the style of Clare Dunn on her most recent single "Move On." The production, however, mimics some tracks on Kelsea Ballerini's record, explained by the common cowriter between this song and that album, Josh Kerr. Ross doesn't full out rap in this track either, but does a bit in the bridge and succeeds on making this song belong to her more than the aforementioned track.
Sarah Ross is, as mentioned many times before, completely unique. She molds a modern form of country, one that is hers. Traditionalists will criticize her, accuse her for not being country enough. But whether she is truly country or not, she is incredibly talented, and has her own thing going on. She will have supporters, and haters, but there is no doubt: Sarah Ross is going to be a superstar.
Best tracks: You're No Good, Happy Hour, Lovin' This Beat
Throwaway tracks: All About That
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
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