Lockwood Barr is a standout Americana performer and artist, but not just because of her powerful vocals. She has a specific perspective and writes songs that are completely unique. She doesn't often write about topics that are seen as the more mainstream topics in music; rather, she approaches love and heartbreak in new and different ways, along with using other influences to write songs about other topics. But every song on this record is relatable and about real life.
Americana is definitely the best genre description for this record, as the songs range from more country and bluegrass influenced tracks to bluesy rock songs like "Yesterday Don't Give A Damn." The first song is more of a folk-rock track, and it's a highlight of the record. Titled "Starve You Outta My Heart," the song uses the metaphor that love is a hunger, a great and interesting alternative to the overused 'your love is a drug.' "Forgotten How To Cry" is another highlight, and a more country rooted track. The song approaches the topic of heartbreak in a new and different way.
Barr's vocals shine the most on the impressively long song, "Through Your Eyes." The song clocks out at 6:56, and is the longest song on the record by about two minutes. The song builds up beautifully, and Barr is at her best vocally from the first minute of the track all the way to the last minute. Most artists don't dare to put a song on a record longer than 3 or 4 minutes, and even though this song maybe drags out a bit too long, it's a bold move for Barr, and much appreciated.
The pop/rock influenced "In the Rye" masterfully builds off the idea established in the novel The Catcher in the Rye, and uses the idea of loss of innocence to create a beautiful track. "People come into our lives / but not all love is meant to survive" sums up the track perfectly, saying that even though moving on is hard, it's necessary. It's lovely to see another book being used to write a song, as too many songs are based on Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, most notably shown in Taylor Swift's "Wonderland," Kelsea Ballerini's "Peter Pan," and Ruth B's "Lost Boy." But using Catcher in the Rye as a starting point for a song is unique, and it worked very well.
While the beginning of the record is incredibly strong, towards the end, the songs get a little less powerful. One may think this might have been better as an EP, but "Silent Hearted," the ninth song on the record makes up for some of the weaker songs along the way, shining just as bright as some of the strongest tracks on the record.
The name of the record is very fitting, as the record is full of songs that teach lessons. Lessons about life, lessons about love, but lessons everyone needs to learn in order to live and grow up. These songs truly do represent the little signs along the road that everyone needs to see. Barr does an excellent job writing songs that are unique, but universal, and this record really is one all music fans should take a listen to.
Best tracks: "Starve You Out Of My Heart," "Forgotten How To Cry," "In the Rye"
Throwaway tracks: "Can't Help Loving You," "McArthur"
Overall rating: 4 crowns
The pop/rock influenced "In the Rye" masterfully builds off the idea established in the novel The Catcher in the Rye, and uses the idea of loss of innocence to create a beautiful track. "People come into our lives / but not all love is meant to survive" sums up the track perfectly, saying that even though moving on is hard, it's necessary. It's lovely to see another book being used to write a song, as too many songs are based on Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, most notably shown in Taylor Swift's "Wonderland," Kelsea Ballerini's "Peter Pan," and Ruth B's "Lost Boy." But using Catcher in the Rye as a starting point for a song is unique, and it worked very well.
While the beginning of the record is incredibly strong, towards the end, the songs get a little less powerful. One may think this might have been better as an EP, but "Silent Hearted," the ninth song on the record makes up for some of the weaker songs along the way, shining just as bright as some of the strongest tracks on the record.
The name of the record is very fitting, as the record is full of songs that teach lessons. Lessons about life, lessons about love, but lessons everyone needs to learn in order to live and grow up. These songs truly do represent the little signs along the road that everyone needs to see. Barr does an excellent job writing songs that are unique, but universal, and this record really is one all music fans should take a listen to.
Best tracks: "Starve You Out Of My Heart," "Forgotten How To Cry," "In the Rye"
Throwaway tracks: "Can't Help Loving You," "McArthur"
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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