If you loved British country duo Ward Thomas for their traditional country sound, you may be disappointed with their new record. On their debut, From Where We Stand, the duo told their stories in a delightfully country way. It was one of the most traditional mainstream country records of 2014, and gained Ward Thomas many fans. While hints of that old sound show up here and there on their sophomore effort, Cartwheels is more pop-country than anything Ward Thomas has done before.
Before you come to conclusions, this is still an excellent record. The sound is more pop and more experimental, but this record is fabulous. The pop shows up the most in the first track and the lead single, "Carry You Home," making it a definite shock to some older fans. But if you delve even a couple more tracks into the record, you find that the old Ward Thomas is still there, but this is just Ward Thomas 2.0.
Some highlights of the record include the second, third and fourth tracks, "Almost Easy," "Material" and the title track, "Cartwheels." "Almost Easy" is an interesting take on a breakup, and uses the theme of losing yourself when losing a guy. In the chorus, the girls sing (in perfect harmony, as always) "If I was only losing you, goodbye wouldn't be so brutal, it would be almost easy." The song speaks of how invested one can get in a relationship, and when that relationship falls apart, you lose everything. Your dreams, your future, your friends, everything. It seems dramatic, but this track is heart wrenching in the best way possible.
"Material" is a look into the new sultry sound that the duo has taken on. The verses are simple, with just finger snaps, and a little bit of guitar. The sound of the song is reminiscent of "Hey Stephen" on Taylor Swift's record, Fearless, with the simplistic nature of the verses. The chorus picks it up a bit, with more instruments and perfect pop-country production. "Cartwheels" sounds a bit more like the Ward Thomas we know and love, with stripped down production and interesting lyrics.
Some highlights of the record include the second, third and fourth tracks, "Almost Easy," "Material" and the title track, "Cartwheels." "Almost Easy" is an interesting take on a breakup, and uses the theme of losing yourself when losing a guy. In the chorus, the girls sing (in perfect harmony, as always) "If I was only losing you, goodbye wouldn't be so brutal, it would be almost easy." The song speaks of how invested one can get in a relationship, and when that relationship falls apart, you lose everything. Your dreams, your future, your friends, everything. It seems dramatic, but this track is heart wrenching in the best way possible.
"Material" is a look into the new sultry sound that the duo has taken on. The verses are simple, with just finger snaps, and a little bit of guitar. The sound of the song is reminiscent of "Hey Stephen" on Taylor Swift's record, Fearless, with the simplistic nature of the verses. The chorus picks it up a bit, with more instruments and perfect pop-country production. "Cartwheels" sounds a bit more like the Ward Thomas we know and love, with stripped down production and interesting lyrics.
The duo goes a bit more introspective on "When It's Not Me" and "Who I'm Not." The former track discusses how easy it is to judge people from a distance, without really knowing about their situation. "Who I'm Not" is a piano-based track that embraces not quite knowing who you are. The girls sing, "And I can't say just who I am yet, but I'm closer than I thought, cause I know who I'm not." It's a new take on the traditional "trying to find a place in this world" song.
The record ends with "Safe," the most stripped down song on the record, but also the best song. Even though Ward Thomas kills it on the more poppy and uptempo songs, they can't get better than when it's just an acoustic guitar and beautiful harmonies. The song is a safe haven for those who are having trouble in life. It ends the record on a beautiful and touching note. Ward Thomas's music is more than just music to dance to, but it's music to listen to when you're having a bad day, or you just need a break from the daily grind. "You are not what happened to you," the duo sings in the chorus of this incredible track, giving listeners a reminder that they are good enough.
Best tracks: "Almost Easy," "Material," "Cartwheels," "Safe"
Throwaway tracks: "Carry You Home"
Overall rating: 4 crowns
The record ends with "Safe," the most stripped down song on the record, but also the best song. Even though Ward Thomas kills it on the more poppy and uptempo songs, they can't get better than when it's just an acoustic guitar and beautiful harmonies. The song is a safe haven for those who are having trouble in life. It ends the record on a beautiful and touching note. Ward Thomas's music is more than just music to dance to, but it's music to listen to when you're having a bad day, or you just need a break from the daily grind. "You are not what happened to you," the duo sings in the chorus of this incredible track, giving listeners a reminder that they are good enough.
Best tracks: "Almost Easy," "Material," "Cartwheels," "Safe"
Throwaway tracks: "Carry You Home"
Overall rating: 4 crowns
RSS Feed
