In popular music, production is always the most important aspect of a song. Bad singers can be autotuned, lyrics can be sent through ten or fifteen writers to make something mediocre something somewhat relatable, but production is what makes people remember a song. That’s why acoustic music is so risky, because the production can no longer carry the song and the artist. But it also can pay off in extraordinary ways like it does on JoLivi’s brand new Raw EP.
The three songs are a further peak into JoLivi’s soulful country vocal and the story she’s trying to create with her lyrics. “Thanks to All My Exes” sounds a little bit Carrie Underwood, a little bit Kelly Clarkson, and a little bit Caitlyn Smith. The syncopation in the verses creates a nice contrast to the smoother chorus. This one is a classic country song theme, with an acoustic soul makeover.
“Move On” is an immediate stand out. The only true ballad of the collection, JoLivi’s vocals sounds sweet, almost ethereal. It’s a smooth, bittersweet song, a side of JoLivi that hasn’t been as apparent in her past music. She sounds more vulnerable on this track and on”Thanks to All My Exes” than she has on any of her other releases, and it suits her.
The single “Vinyl” closes out the project. It’s given a new life and twist on the EP. Acoustic production suits the song, which at times seems a touch overproduced. She strips the song down to the basics, bringing forward the power of her vocal and the clever, interesting lyrics.
The EP shows JoLivi’s commitment to country music following her past pop music career. But it also shows that a little more acoustic production suits her. Acoustic instrumentals are sorely lacking on country radio these days, and if JoLivi mixed in some more acoustic instrumentals in with her country-rock vibe, she could create a perfect mix to stand out, but also to fit in on country radio.
Best tracks: “Move On”
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 4 crowns
“Move On” is an immediate stand out. The only true ballad of the collection, JoLivi’s vocals sounds sweet, almost ethereal. It’s a smooth, bittersweet song, a side of JoLivi that hasn’t been as apparent in her past music. She sounds more vulnerable on this track and on”Thanks to All My Exes” than she has on any of her other releases, and it suits her.
The single “Vinyl” closes out the project. It’s given a new life and twist on the EP. Acoustic production suits the song, which at times seems a touch overproduced. She strips the song down to the basics, bringing forward the power of her vocal and the clever, interesting lyrics.
The EP shows JoLivi’s commitment to country music following her past pop music career. But it also shows that a little more acoustic production suits her. Acoustic instrumentals are sorely lacking on country radio these days, and if JoLivi mixed in some more acoustic instrumentals in with her country-rock vibe, she could create a perfect mix to stand out, but also to fit in on country radio.
Best tracks: “Move On”
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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