Like most people, I first heard Emily Brooke sing on American Idol. She absolutely killed "Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood, which is pretty hard to do, because Underwood has some of the best vocals around. Brooke did it just as well as Underwood does, and even maybe did it a bit better at some parts of the song. If she can put out an album like this as such a young age, and sing as well as Carrie Underwood, she is sure to shine on Idol. This album is the perfect album for a girl of her age. It has the fun, childish songs (Got Me Thinkin’ ‘Bout You, Party in the Pool) , the coming of age songs (Here Right Now, The Ugly Truth, All) and the beautiful ballads that could be sung by someone of any age (You, The Door). It fits Emily Brooke’s persona perfectly.
The record begins with the title track, “Here Right Now.” This track is reminiscent of early LeAnn Rimes and Taylor Swift songs, with its carefree attitude. It the voice of a high school student, where she has to begin figuring out her life. This seems to be a song directed to those who think that she’s wasting her life trying to pursue music, and she proves them wrong with this catchy and utterly relatable song. Following is “Dance Hall.” I heard this for the first time on Danielle Bradbery’s debut album, and then found it on Brooke’s album and learned that it was originally Brooke’s song. And Brooke does a good job with the song. Her vocals are gorgeous, and the production is pop influenced, but still straight up country. The problem with this song, a problem that Bradbery had as well, is that it doesn’t show off her vocals at all. The song is easy to sing, and seems to play it safe vocally, which neither Brooke nor Bradbery needs to worry about.
The album also contains its fair share of songs about first love, heartbreak and infatuation. “Next Day After You”, the aforementioned “Dance Hall” and “Got Me Thinkin’ ‘Bout You”. “After You” is the ultimate first heartbreak song. Brooke sings it as if she felt it the breakup the day she recorded the song. It’s the most beautifully produced track on the record, with the fiddle, piano and guitar that accompany her vocals and highlight them so the emotion shines through even more. “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” paints a clear scene, (at least this is what I see in my mind) of a girl sitting in class, and her crush sitting across the room and smiling at her everytime she looks over. He’s the class ‘bad boy’ and Brooke really doesn't want to get involved with him, but he’s so damn cute! It's amazing how a good song can pull you back to the past so easily.
The album also contains its fair share of songs about first love, heartbreak and infatuation. “Next Day After You”, the aforementioned “Dance Hall” and “Got Me Thinkin’ ‘Bout You”. “After You” is the ultimate first heartbreak song. Brooke sings it as if she felt it the breakup the day she recorded the song. It’s the most beautifully produced track on the record, with the fiddle, piano and guitar that accompany her vocals and highlight them so the emotion shines through even more. “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” paints a clear scene, (at least this is what I see in my mind) of a girl sitting in class, and her crush sitting across the room and smiling at her everytime she looks over. He’s the class ‘bad boy’ and Brooke really doesn't want to get involved with him, but he’s so damn cute! It's amazing how a good song can pull you back to the past so easily.
The one low point on the album is “Party in the Pool”. Brooke sings this as well as a singer can when they’re singing about a pool party. Although this song is cute, it is just a bit too juvenile for Brooke. It is reminiscent of“Start All Over” and “Breakout” by Miley Cyrus, with country twang. Maybe she should have passed it off to an even younger artist. But, this will be a big hit with children country music listeners!
One key track on the album is “All”. It is a traditional country track, with bluegrass influenced production. The song addresses young love, and how Brooke pledges to give her all to love and give him all of her heart. It’s a cute track, and just makes the listener happy to hear her young innocence and the joy. It’s nice to hear a truly joyful track every once in a while, and this track definitely fits that bill.
The album ends with “The Ugly Truth”, a reminiscent song about growing up. She sings about the frustrations about growing up and the things she doesn’t want to leave. In a very adult way, she sings, “But the ugly truth is that I can’t be a child for the rest of my life.” Most teenagers don’t get that. But because Brooke does, it shows more maturity in her. This maturity could lead her to succeed to great heights in country music, and produce songs that are better than some singers twice her age can produce. I’m rooting for Brooke to win American Idol and follow in Carrie Underwood’s footsteps to become a Queen of Country Music.
Best Tracks: Here Right Now, Next Day After You, All
Throwaway Tracks: Party in the Pool
Overall rating: 4 crowns
One key track on the album is “All”. It is a traditional country track, with bluegrass influenced production. The song addresses young love, and how Brooke pledges to give her all to love and give him all of her heart. It’s a cute track, and just makes the listener happy to hear her young innocence and the joy. It’s nice to hear a truly joyful track every once in a while, and this track definitely fits that bill.
The album ends with “The Ugly Truth”, a reminiscent song about growing up. She sings about the frustrations about growing up and the things she doesn’t want to leave. In a very adult way, she sings, “But the ugly truth is that I can’t be a child for the rest of my life.” Most teenagers don’t get that. But because Brooke does, it shows more maturity in her. This maturity could lead her to succeed to great heights in country music, and produce songs that are better than some singers twice her age can produce. I’m rooting for Brooke to win American Idol and follow in Carrie Underwood’s footsteps to become a Queen of Country Music.
Best Tracks: Here Right Now, Next Day After You, All
Throwaway Tracks: Party in the Pool
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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