The EP has been a long time coming. Kentucky-born country music singer/songwriter Carly Pearce released a mashup of the EP with clips of each of the songs (found below) nine months ago, but only two weeks ago did she release this EP. Despite the slight delay, this EP is gold. If the delay was to make it every better, there is no problem with that. Pearce's single "Blame the Whiskey" was a peek into her talent, but this EP shows the country music world that she's here to stay.
First and foremost, Pearce is an outstanding vocalist. As displayed in her debut single, "Blame the Whiskey", Pearce can sing just about anything. She can sing powerfully, but she can also scale it back and sing emotively. A highlight on the record, "Just Another Girl" is where Pearce shows off this ability. This track is about a man Pearce thought she was going to marry. In a live acoustic performance of the song, Pearce explained "that I really though one day we would get married. And in December of this past year, he got married. Obviously not to me. And it's amazing how when you're in a relationship, you're somebody's complete whole world, and then you break up and you may never talk to them again." A country/pop rock fusion, this song is where Pearce shows off her ability to mix a sad story with radio-friendly, upbeat production. This paradox is one of the key elements in being successful in country music.
Unfortunately, Pearce has fallen trap to the country-electropop fusion fad. The trailblazers of this genre have been Sam Hunt, Kelsea Ballerini, and Ruthie Collins, and the first track of the EP, "Pretty Boy" is a perfect example of that fad. The electro influences spread all throughout the track, and it is a bit upsetting, because Pearce seemed like an artist that would stay away from this kind of music. Despite that fact, this song is completely addicting. The chorus is the most perfect pop chorus, and is just meant to people up and on their feet. So even though Pearce is taking part in this mostly unfortunate trend, she takes part gracefully, and just tests the waters, she doesn't dive headfirst.
Unfortunately, Pearce has fallen trap to the country-electropop fusion fad. The trailblazers of this genre have been Sam Hunt, Kelsea Ballerini, and Ruthie Collins, and the first track of the EP, "Pretty Boy" is a perfect example of that fad. The electro influences spread all throughout the track, and it is a bit upsetting, because Pearce seemed like an artist that would stay away from this kind of music. Despite that fact, this song is completely addicting. The chorus is the most perfect pop chorus, and is just meant to people up and on their feet. So even though Pearce is taking part in this mostly unfortunate trend, she takes part gracefully, and just tests the waters, she doesn't dive headfirst.
"Simple Stuff" is the epitome of a country song. It discusses a relationship in which Pearce actually prefers the thoughtful, simple dates over the white-tablecloth dates. It is of similar topic to another track reviewed on this blog, "Easy" by Krysta Nick. These kind of songs sung by women could have parallels drawn to the horrible bro-country songs sung by the men, but there is one big difference: this song does not objectify anyone, and seems like it actually means something.
The final track on this EP is the best one, that truly shows the extent of Pearce's talent and potential is the final track, "Black Sheep." This track is an interesting take on being different. The whole song talks about how this girl is so different from anyone else in her family. In the hook, Pearce sings, "Life is hard, when you're the only black sheep on the farm." There are so many songs like this, but Pearce makes a new metaphor, one that is much more relatable than other songs like this. Pearce crafts a song that connects to every person, whether you live on a farm or not.
From "Blame the Whiskey" to "Pretty Boy" to "Black Sheep," Pearce has done an excellent job of showing fans who she is a musician so far. Although this EP isn't perfect, it does show how much talent Pearce has, and the potential she has to be one of the biggest country stars of the new generation.
Best tracks: Just Another Girl, Black Sheep
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 4 crowns
The final track on this EP is the best one, that truly shows the extent of Pearce's talent and potential is the final track, "Black Sheep." This track is an interesting take on being different. The whole song talks about how this girl is so different from anyone else in her family. In the hook, Pearce sings, "Life is hard, when you're the only black sheep on the farm." There are so many songs like this, but Pearce makes a new metaphor, one that is much more relatable than other songs like this. Pearce crafts a song that connects to every person, whether you live on a farm or not.
From "Blame the Whiskey" to "Pretty Boy" to "Black Sheep," Pearce has done an excellent job of showing fans who she is a musician so far. Although this EP isn't perfect, it does show how much talent Pearce has, and the potential she has to be one of the biggest country stars of the new generation.
Best tracks: Just Another Girl, Black Sheep
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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