Hannah Blaylock first began to get recognition in the country music industry with her band, Edens Edge. Blaylock was the lead singer, with Cherrill Green playing mandolin, banjo, and guitar while Dean Berner played guitar and dobro. They achieved moderate success in 2011 and 2012 with their two singles "Amen" and "Too Good To Be True," and their follow up self titled debut album. Under Big Machine Records, they were a surprisingly country group, less country pop oriented than other trios like Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry. But in 2013, Blaylock decided she wanted to go on on her own. She is now a solo artist, and a fine one at that.
Edens Edge was Big Machine Record Label's original Maddie & Tae. When the trio was signed in 2010, Big Machine was still a mostly country label, and it was not completely out of the box to sign a bluegrass-influenced country trio. Edens Edge released their debut single "Amen," which was their first (and last) Top 20 hit. This song is slightly edgy, as is Maddie & Tae's "Girl in a Country Song." about small town life and how everything gets around so fast in a small town. Their album was a masterpiece, filled with the uptempo tracks like "Amen," but also the incredibly intricate bluegrass-country ballads like "Liar" and "Feels So Real." The group had a traditional yet modern sound, not completely unlike what Maddie & Tae's Start Here is like. But Edens Edge is no longer with Big Machine Records, and is no longer a trio. But never fear, Hannah Blaylock is here, and she's making her own music now.
Blaylock's vocals have always been incredible. Although the blend of all the band member's voices was a strong point for Edens Edge, Blaylock's voice on her own is just as breathtaking, maybe even more so. She committed to a solo music career shortly after she left the band, and this is her coming through on her promise. Currently only available for streaming on hannahblaylock.com and at her live shows, My Roots Run Deep is a perfect introduction to the different sound Blaylock has as a solo artist, and a perfect introduction to her, and her life. "Cherry Pie" on Edens Edge was a truly personal song to her, although written by Dean Berner and two other writers. That song was a masterpiece, but fans now have a chance to see even more into Blaylock's life. The EP also adopts a less bluegrass influenced sound, like the one that Edens Edge had, and instead flips to acquire a rockier sound, one that sets her apart and marks her as a differnet artist, not just a spin off of Edens Edge.
Blaylock's vocals have always been incredible. Although the blend of all the band member's voices was a strong point for Edens Edge, Blaylock's voice on her own is just as breathtaking, maybe even more so. She committed to a solo music career shortly after she left the band, and this is her coming through on her promise. Currently only available for streaming on hannahblaylock.com and at her live shows, My Roots Run Deep is a perfect introduction to the different sound Blaylock has as a solo artist, and a perfect introduction to her, and her life. "Cherry Pie" on Edens Edge was a truly personal song to her, although written by Dean Berner and two other writers. That song was a masterpiece, but fans now have a chance to see even more into Blaylock's life. The EP also adopts a less bluegrass influenced sound, like the one that Edens Edge had, and instead flips to acquire a rockier sound, one that sets her apart and marks her as a differnet artist, not just a spin off of Edens Edge.
Personal is the best word to describe this EP. She has said that this collection was based around the final track, "Way Back Home." Written by Blaylock and country songwriter legend Matraca Berg (Strawberry Wine, You & Tequilla) this song is the closest thing to the sound of Edens Edge, and is one that truly seems to come straight out of Blaylock's childhood diary. The details make it so real, and so relatable. When artists go their most personal, it usually succeeds, as it does in this circumstance. "Don't Want You To Go" has actually already been reviewed on this blog, although under a different artist. This track is about her grandfather and grandmother, but mostly is about all of the people in her family who have served in the military. It was recorded by country duo American Young for their debut EP in 2014. They did that song so incredibly well, and truly brought the words to life, but there is something raw about Blaylock's version that isn't there on the duo's version. Their harmonies were beautiful, and mimicked the emotion found in this version, but there is something just so special about an artist singing a song they wrote themselves.
A common misconception is that only ballads can be the most personal, but the first song of this EP, "Burned the Forest," is inspired by Blaylock's childhood as much as any of the other songs on the collection. As the caption for an acoustic version of the song, Blaylock wrote
A common misconception is that only ballads can be the most personal, but the first song of this EP, "Burned the Forest," is inspired by Blaylock's childhood as much as any of the other songs on the collection. As the caption for an acoustic version of the song, Blaylock wrote
On my farm, when the fields and the woods got too many briers and weeds, we would start a brush fire so the trees could grow stronger and the soil could be enriched for healthier hay. It's so fascinating to me that ashes can create more life and a better life than there was before. This songs talks about how that can happen in our lives sometimes. How it hurts, but in the long run we are stronger and better for it and our lives are even richer than before.
So this rocking song, turns out to be actually inspired by her life, not just a bad breakup. Blaylock masterfully crafts this song, with the production that grows until the chorus where it explodes. Her vocals convey the slightly eerie tone to the track perfectly, the raspiness adding another element to the song.
As for radio appeal, this record has a lot of it. "Burned the Forest" and "Drive" have automatic radio appeal because of their uptempo vibes. But the song "The Last Cowboy" seems like it could have a fairly decent shot at radio airplay. Although not quite a ballad, this song is also not quite an uptempo song. However, songs that aren't uptempo have not been succeeding on radio recently. Jake Owen tried with "What We Ain't Got," and Brad Paisley succeeded with the half-ballad "Perfect Storm," and Cam's "Burning House" is rising up the charts, but for the most part, the radio is flooded with various uptempo partying tracks with a dance remix potential. But this one has true potential to break the mold like Cam has done. Blaylock describes how she has found "the last cowboy," and her vocals and the production tell the story of the song as well as the lyrics do. This is an all-around high quality track, one that the mostly ignorant-of-good-music country radio listeners might be able to learn to love.
The only slight miss on this collection is the second to last track, "Making Our Own Fun." The lyrics aren't as sharp as the rest of the collection, and in comparison, this track falls short. The lyrics, especially the inclusion of "This party — lame" are as so eloquently sung in the song, lame. It's a cringe worthy moment, but stronger tracks like "Burned The Forest" and "The Last Cowboy" make up for that downfall.
Hannah Blaylock has truly surpassed all expectations. The end of Edens Edge was a bittersweet moment, because they had moderate success, and they had a sound that was so unique and clasic. It was a shame to let them go. Luckily, there are some groups stepping up to fill that spot, including Maddie & Tae and others. But the one positive thing that came about from Edens Edge ending is Hannah Blaylock. She is now getting a chance to show herself to her fans. With this EP, Blaylock is planting her roots in the country music industry, and establishing herself as a strong new female voice.
Best tracks: Burned the Forest, The Last Cowboy, Don't Want You To Go
Throwaway tracks: Making Our Own Fun
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
The only slight miss on this collection is the second to last track, "Making Our Own Fun." The lyrics aren't as sharp as the rest of the collection, and in comparison, this track falls short. The lyrics, especially the inclusion of "This party — lame" are as so eloquently sung in the song, lame. It's a cringe worthy moment, but stronger tracks like "Burned The Forest" and "The Last Cowboy" make up for that downfall.
Hannah Blaylock has truly surpassed all expectations. The end of Edens Edge was a bittersweet moment, because they had moderate success, and they had a sound that was so unique and clasic. It was a shame to let them go. Luckily, there are some groups stepping up to fill that spot, including Maddie & Tae and others. But the one positive thing that came about from Edens Edge ending is Hannah Blaylock. She is now getting a chance to show herself to her fans. With this EP, Blaylock is planting her roots in the country music industry, and establishing herself as a strong new female voice.
Best tracks: Burned the Forest, The Last Cowboy, Don't Want You To Go
Throwaway tracks: Making Our Own Fun
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
Listen to "My Roots Run Deep" at hannahblaylock.com/music
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