British country pop singer and songwriter Lizzie Wilson's debut EP hit iTunes on November 13 2015, following the lead single "Do You Think About Me?", released in October. The EP was recorded in Nashville and she co-wrote the songs on the EP with artists such as Megan O'Neill, Holloway Road, Alex Jordan, and Payton Taylor. Wilson's self titled EP expertly crosses the line between country and pop/rock, while staying true to the country label and evoking comparisons to Taylor Swift's 2006 debut record.
The lead single and opening track "Do You Think About Me?" shares the same name of the Carrie Underwood tune from her 2012 record Blown Away, but the track has more of a teenage country feel, like one of those tunes that you expect to hear from a young singer/songwriter fresh out of high school. But it has more maturity in the songwriting than a school talent show song. The song has an upbeat tempo, and is the perfect opener to this youthful but reflective collection of 5 songs.
Wilson's talent comes out more prominently in the next few tracks. "Ask Me To Stay" establishes more depth, and is the best song on the record. Her voice is flawless on this song, and it's obvious that she is a great vocal talent. Her voice isn't very powerful, but it's strong and delicate at the same time, providing a perfect balance. This song is an interesting one, starting off sounding like a straight up pop song, and evolving into a true country song. "Ask Me To Stay" is the most mature song on the EP, because it approaches love it a very reflective way, as she's trying to figure out why she's "always looking for goodbye."
Wilson's talent comes out more prominently in the next few tracks. "Ask Me To Stay" establishes more depth, and is the best song on the record. Her voice is flawless on this song, and it's obvious that she is a great vocal talent. Her voice isn't very powerful, but it's strong and delicate at the same time, providing a perfect balance. This song is an interesting one, starting off sounding like a straight up pop song, and evolving into a true country song. "Ask Me To Stay" is the most mature song on the EP, because it approaches love it a very reflective way, as she's trying to figure out why she's "always looking for goodbye."
"Infinity" is the classic love ballad of the collection, and it's a beautiful one. It gets slightly overshadowed by the songs that bookend it, but it still has a simplistic beauty that isn't found anywhere else on the EP.
The only slight miss is "The Way You Lie." It's the only truly angry song of the collection, but it doesn't feel that way. The production doesn't sound as angry as the song, and neither do Wilson's vocals. Although this is not always desired, maybe having a bit more teenage angst on this track would have improved it. And if she had decided to go the more haunted route, that could have worked as well. The song has bits and pieces of many different sounds, but doesn't have a clear sound to match the lyrics.
The EP closes with "Living Out Loud," an empowerment anthem. It's Wilson's "Change," although this song is less of a fairy tale version of life, and more determined. This is another place where Wilson's vocals shine. This is a song that I could see being very popular, if not on radio, among fans. The message is relatable, and the song is pop friendly and appealing to teenagers. It's a fantastic way to end the EP, setting the tone for Wilson's next project already. This song says already that she's going to keep making music and being her despite what challenges she may face.
Lizzie Wilson is young, but she is a promising new talent already. A few more years of writing and co-writing and experiencing the country music industry, as well as growing up a bit more will mature her sound and make her into an even better musician. But the most important thing is that she has a strong base, and already some amazing songs that she has been able to write and record.
Best songs: Ask Me to Stay, Living Out Loud
Throwaway tracks: The Way You Lie
Overall rating: 4 crowns
The only slight miss is "The Way You Lie." It's the only truly angry song of the collection, but it doesn't feel that way. The production doesn't sound as angry as the song, and neither do Wilson's vocals. Although this is not always desired, maybe having a bit more teenage angst on this track would have improved it. And if she had decided to go the more haunted route, that could have worked as well. The song has bits and pieces of many different sounds, but doesn't have a clear sound to match the lyrics.
The EP closes with "Living Out Loud," an empowerment anthem. It's Wilson's "Change," although this song is less of a fairy tale version of life, and more determined. This is another place where Wilson's vocals shine. This is a song that I could see being very popular, if not on radio, among fans. The message is relatable, and the song is pop friendly and appealing to teenagers. It's a fantastic way to end the EP, setting the tone for Wilson's next project already. This song says already that she's going to keep making music and being her despite what challenges she may face.
Lizzie Wilson is young, but she is a promising new talent already. A few more years of writing and co-writing and experiencing the country music industry, as well as growing up a bit more will mature her sound and make her into an even better musician. But the most important thing is that she has a strong base, and already some amazing songs that she has been able to write and record.
Best songs: Ask Me to Stay, Living Out Loud
Throwaway tracks: The Way You Lie
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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