If you know anything about country music songwriters right now, you've heard of Lori McKenna. The writer of "Humble & Kind," co-writer of "Girl Crush," McKenna has had an amazing year: she won a CMA and a Grammy for "Girl Crush," and with this new album, she released the best album of her career. She's finally getting more recognition, and now most people consider her one of the best songwriters in Nashville, a title that she's deserved for years. If you're still not convinced of her talent, take a listen to this record. It'll change your mind.
McKenna doesn't have a very powerful or loud voice. She really isn't a Carrie Underwood. But her voice has other amazing qualities: it's a little raspy and very emotional. I think that although powerful voices can be incredible, they can also be overrated. There's nothing quite as special as a voice that manages to tell and convey so much emotion without vocal gymnastics. "Wreck You" is a stripped-down track where McKenna's voice shines, and it's a great first track and introduction to the production of the record.
"The Bird and The Rifle," the title track, is a songwriting highlight of the record. Written by McKenna, along with Caitlyn Smith and Troy Verges, the song compares a couple to a bird and a rifle: the bird, always trying to escape and fly away, and the rifle, always trying to keep her from leaving. The lyric "And the bird is always dreaming out the window / Looking at that big wide open sky / And the rifle, he used to be a dreamer / But he wasn't meant to fly," stands out, really bringing their relationship and the conflict to life. At the end of the track, the bird actually does manage to leave the rifle, even though she loves him. The song has such a distinct beginning, middle, and end. It tells a story, a full story, not just a detailed snapshot of a relationship. A full story in a song is a difficult thing to do well, and McKenna, Smith and Verges kill it.
"Halfway Home" and "Humble & Kind" are two songs recently cut by country artists: Logan Brill and Tim McGraw, respectively. Both of the songs in the cut versions were incredible. But McKenna's voice and production adds a raw element to both of the tracks, making "Halfway Home" more heartbreaking, and making "Humble & Kind" more convincing.
"The Bird and The Rifle," the title track, is a songwriting highlight of the record. Written by McKenna, along with Caitlyn Smith and Troy Verges, the song compares a couple to a bird and a rifle: the bird, always trying to escape and fly away, and the rifle, always trying to keep her from leaving. The lyric "And the bird is always dreaming out the window / Looking at that big wide open sky / And the rifle, he used to be a dreamer / But he wasn't meant to fly," stands out, really bringing their relationship and the conflict to life. At the end of the track, the bird actually does manage to leave the rifle, even though she loves him. The song has such a distinct beginning, middle, and end. It tells a story, a full story, not just a detailed snapshot of a relationship. A full story in a song is a difficult thing to do well, and McKenna, Smith and Verges kill it.
"Halfway Home" and "Humble & Kind" are two songs recently cut by country artists: Logan Brill and Tim McGraw, respectively. Both of the songs in the cut versions were incredible. But McKenna's voice and production adds a raw element to both of the tracks, making "Halfway Home" more heartbreaking, and making "Humble & Kind" more convincing.
"We Were Cool" is the most cliche country song, in the best way. Looking back on her youth, and her relationship with her now-husband, this track is an interesting look into McKenna's life. The almost-spoken 'we were cool' sets this song apart from the ballads before it, and the slightly snarky, but equally sad "Old Men Young Women" that follows it.
In "Old Men Young Women" McKenna brings up a completely new topic, in a way that only she is so eloquently able to do. Think of "Girl Crush," "Three Kids No Husband," and "Humble & Kind." Those three songs all brought a new perspective and a new topic into country music. With "Women," McKenna discusses the flaws of a relationship between an old man and a young woman, as indicated in the title. "She a prize, he's winning / she thinks it is what it isn't / neither one can change what's missing" emphasizes the deep flaws in that kind of relationship. McKenna also manages to insert some humor into the song, with the second line, "I guess wife number three could be the one," and "he's had enough damn practice / he sure as hell should."
This album is not only an incredible listen, but it also is an inspiration for music fans to continue believing in great music. Country music is in such an odd state right now, with horrible songs polluting a lot of the radio, and some incredible albums hiding under those awful songs. As of now, this is my favorite record by a woman of country this year, and I don't expect that to change. I wouldn't be shocked if this were up for a Grammy early next year. Album of the year? I wouldn't be surprised.
Best songs: "The Bird & The Rifle," "Halfway Home," "Old Men Young Women"
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 5 crowns
In "Old Men Young Women" McKenna brings up a completely new topic, in a way that only she is so eloquently able to do. Think of "Girl Crush," "Three Kids No Husband," and "Humble & Kind." Those three songs all brought a new perspective and a new topic into country music. With "Women," McKenna discusses the flaws of a relationship between an old man and a young woman, as indicated in the title. "She a prize, he's winning / she thinks it is what it isn't / neither one can change what's missing" emphasizes the deep flaws in that kind of relationship. McKenna also manages to insert some humor into the song, with the second line, "I guess wife number three could be the one," and "he's had enough damn practice / he sure as hell should."
This album is not only an incredible listen, but it also is an inspiration for music fans to continue believing in great music. Country music is in such an odd state right now, with horrible songs polluting a lot of the radio, and some incredible albums hiding under those awful songs. As of now, this is my favorite record by a woman of country this year, and I don't expect that to change. I wouldn't be shocked if this were up for a Grammy early next year. Album of the year? I wouldn't be surprised.
Best songs: "The Bird & The Rifle," "Halfway Home," "Old Men Young Women"
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 5 crowns
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