
All-female vocal groups have had a bit of trouble succeeding in recent years, just like female solo acts, but that doesn't mean that these groups aren't putting out stellar music. And this year, their popularity has been increasing, especially with Runaway June breaking the Top 30. Maybe April is one of the more under-the-radar country bands, but they've been working hard to craft their own version of the traditional female girl group sound, and it's a killer sound that they've crafted.
For anyone who has paid attention to Maybe April, you know the song "Last Time." It's become one of the most popular of their songs, as their live rendition is killer. The band has finally released a studio version of the song. "Last Time" shows a lot more depth than "Blush," the first studio single the band ever released, but also a completely different side of Maybe April. "Blush" is upbeat, rootsy country-pop, while the studio version of "Last Time" has more grit than I would have expected. It's rootsy still, but edgy, and soulful. The studio version is slowed down a bit from the live version the girls have been playing around Nashville. The emphasis on the bass adds another level of maturity to the song.
The contrast between the vulnerability in the verses and the sassiness in the chorus are evidence of brilliant songwriting. The song, no matter how final the chorus makes it sound, really covers all of the emotions of the relationship. The chorus is how the woman wants to act, what she really wants to say to the guy who is breaking her heart. But the bridge adds a little more complication to that, with Alaina singing, "I wanted you and me, more than you could believe."
There is less emphasis on harmonies than I would have expected, especially because these three women have some of the best harmonies in Nashville. Nevertheless, this song is a must-listen.
Overall rating: 4 ½ crowns
The contrast between the vulnerability in the verses and the sassiness in the chorus are evidence of brilliant songwriting. The song, no matter how final the chorus makes it sound, really covers all of the emotions of the relationship. The chorus is how the woman wants to act, what she really wants to say to the guy who is breaking her heart. But the bridge adds a little more complication to that, with Alaina singing, "I wanted you and me, more than you could believe."
There is less emphasis on harmonies than I would have expected, especially because these three women have some of the best harmonies in Nashville. Nevertheless, this song is a must-listen.
Overall rating: 4 ½ crowns