Alexandra Kay has been involved in music longer than most people expect. For years she was involved in musical theater, and then was finally brought back to her country/pop roots in 2014 when she signed a marketing/distribution deal with Nettwork Entertainment and releasing her debut single "No More." Although classified as country on iTunes, this song was more pop/soul than. Since then she's released videos of the pop/soul "Never Leave" and "Gold," and now she's releasing this song, and truly diving headfirst into country music.
Kay came to our attention as a cover artist. Through her Facebook, on which she has amassed over 59 thousand likes, and on her YouTube channel, Kay has been posting more covers. Mostly of country songs, some of those including covers of Jana Kramer's "Whiskey," and Tim McGraw's "If You're Reading This." However, the particular cover that stands out among all of them is her cover of Taylor Swift's "I Wish You Would," which won our contest for 'Best Taylor Swift 1989 Cover.' The original version of this song is a triumphant ode to the eighties, filled with trumpets and synths and interesting vocals effects. Kay stripped it down to the basics, with just her twangy vocals and acoustic guitar. The result is one of the most masterful covers ever released on YouTube. (If you haven't seen this gem of a cover yet, watch it here.)
But now Kay's focus is more on original music, and her upcoming debut country album. She has left behind the more soulful sounds and has immersed herself completely in country music. This song, "Better Than Goodbye," sounds not unlike her amazing Taylor Swift cover, with it's acoustic base and vocals dripping with emotion. Break up songs have been a big thing for Kay ever since her debut, "No More," a heart wrenching breakup song, and through to her most recent release, the pop/soul effort "Gold," an angry track to a woman who stole her man. This track is a softer and more vulnerable side to that same topic. The story of the song takes place right when her boyfriend is about to break up with her, and she's begging him to lie to her, to let her down easy. She pleads, "everything is going to be alright sounds better than goodbye." Vocally Kay shines. Her voice is so emotive, so beautiful. It's a lovely listen, being able to feel everything she felt when she wrote this song just through her vocals.
These days it is quite rare to see a pop turned country singer. Country turned pop is much more common, with Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, and all the other pop stars masquerading as country singers. But sometimes you do get the other way. Take duo Megan & Liz, Steven Tyler, and Lucy Hale. Kay is one of those, and one of the most successful ones, as this new single shows. She truly belongs in country music, and with this song, it's like she's finally found her sound and what she's trying to say with her music.
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
But now Kay's focus is more on original music, and her upcoming debut country album. She has left behind the more soulful sounds and has immersed herself completely in country music. This song, "Better Than Goodbye," sounds not unlike her amazing Taylor Swift cover, with it's acoustic base and vocals dripping with emotion. Break up songs have been a big thing for Kay ever since her debut, "No More," a heart wrenching breakup song, and through to her most recent release, the pop/soul effort "Gold," an angry track to a woman who stole her man. This track is a softer and more vulnerable side to that same topic. The story of the song takes place right when her boyfriend is about to break up with her, and she's begging him to lie to her, to let her down easy. She pleads, "everything is going to be alright sounds better than goodbye." Vocally Kay shines. Her voice is so emotive, so beautiful. It's a lovely listen, being able to feel everything she felt when she wrote this song just through her vocals.
These days it is quite rare to see a pop turned country singer. Country turned pop is much more common, with Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, and all the other pop stars masquerading as country singers. But sometimes you do get the other way. Take duo Megan & Liz, Steven Tyler, and Lucy Hale. Kay is one of those, and one of the most successful ones, as this new single shows. She truly belongs in country music, and with this song, it's like she's finally found her sound and what she's trying to say with her music.
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
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