Allison Veltz has the story that all artists dream of. Working at a singing diner, one night she got a message from Mark Bright, known for working with Carrie Underwood, and the rest is history. A sampling of Veltz's forthcoming debut album, Allison's Wonderland, this EP is an introduction to Veltz's voice, lyrics, and country/folk, acoustic based sound. With sweet, yet strong vocals, similar to those of actress-turned-country-singerLucy Hale, Veltz takes modern country back to the traditional sounds and values of older country music.
The EP begins with "Wonderland," the basis of the title of the sampler. An introspective song, this track questions everything about a relationship. The repetition of "I wonder" leads up to the main line of the song: "I don't know where you are or where I stand/out here in wonderland." This song takes the title of a children's novel, but has a completely different theme and idea surrounding the song. Masterfully, Veltz crafts a song around a well known fantastical place and connects it to reality, to her life. Co-written by top songwriters Kyle Jacobs (Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw) and Billy Montana (Brooks, Sara Evans, Kenny Rogers), this track is a lyrical work of art. The production is not too shabby either, with the rockiest beat on the EP, along with the drawn out end, which adds to the magical feel of the track.
Ballad-wise, there is only one true ballad on the EP, and is no doubt the best song in this collection. "Alabama" is an acoustic driven country song, with folky-Alison Krauss influence. Another lyrical work of art, this track was cowritten by Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Garth Brooks). Veltz compares a man she loved and lost to her home, Alabama. Growing up, Veltz moved around often, living in more than seven cities over the course of her childhood. Veltz said, "Out of all the places I’ve zigged and zagged, Alabama was where my story began. I didn’t live there very long, but it’s my home. And I’m happy to own it." Veltz takes a very personal part of her past and connects it to a man, who she didn't love for very long, but meant so much to her. The best songwriters are able to connect all different parts of their lives and weave them into a story in a song, which Veltz does incredibly well on this track.
Ballad-wise, there is only one true ballad on the EP, and is no doubt the best song in this collection. "Alabama" is an acoustic driven country song, with folky-Alison Krauss influence. Another lyrical work of art, this track was cowritten by Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Garth Brooks). Veltz compares a man she loved and lost to her home, Alabama. Growing up, Veltz moved around often, living in more than seven cities over the course of her childhood. Veltz said, "Out of all the places I’ve zigged and zagged, Alabama was where my story began. I didn’t live there very long, but it’s my home. And I’m happy to own it." Veltz takes a very personal part of her past and connects it to a man, who she didn't love for very long, but meant so much to her. The best songwriters are able to connect all different parts of their lives and weave them into a story in a song, which Veltz does incredibly well on this track.
The last two tracks on the EP both discuss loving someone who cannot always be with you. "The Moon" has a more upbeat tempo than "Set You Free," and has a flawless chorus that takes the listener deep into Veltz's relationship. This track was one of the demos that originally got the attention of the co-producer of this EP and her album, Mark Bright. The chorus of this track is blunt and to the point, but still heartfelt:
"Cause you sure as hell ain't here,
I'm a million miles from where you are.
You sure as hell ain't here,
And I'm waiting on a falling star.
You might as well be on be on
You might as well be on be on
The moon."
This track is one that listeners will be sure to latch onto, because of the catchy country pop production, but also because of the honesty in this track. Veltz does not put it nicely: it feels like her man light years away. People feeling like this at the moment will connect and fall in love with this track.
As a closer, Veltz chose "Set You Free." The only track on the EP not available to hear on Veltz's website, this is a completely new track. Veltz plays off of the saying "If you love someone, set them free." Vocally, this is the strongest Veltz is throughout the whole EP. Her vocals adopt a more mature tone on this track, and end the EP on a high note.
Overall, lyrically, this EP is perfection. Cliches and childish, immature lyrics have flooded country music recently, and Veltz is a welcome distraction from all of the terrible lyrics out there. This EP is a dip into Veltz's music and will leave listeners anxiously awaiting Allison's Wonderland.
Best tracks: Wonderland, Alabama
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 4 crowns
"Cause you sure as hell ain't here,
I'm a million miles from where you are.
You sure as hell ain't here,
And I'm waiting on a falling star.
You might as well be on be on
You might as well be on be on
The moon."
This track is one that listeners will be sure to latch onto, because of the catchy country pop production, but also because of the honesty in this track. Veltz does not put it nicely: it feels like her man light years away. People feeling like this at the moment will connect and fall in love with this track.
As a closer, Veltz chose "Set You Free." The only track on the EP not available to hear on Veltz's website, this is a completely new track. Veltz plays off of the saying "If you love someone, set them free." Vocally, this is the strongest Veltz is throughout the whole EP. Her vocals adopt a more mature tone on this track, and end the EP on a high note.
Overall, lyrically, this EP is perfection. Cliches and childish, immature lyrics have flooded country music recently, and Veltz is a welcome distraction from all of the terrible lyrics out there. This EP is a dip into Veltz's music and will leave listeners anxiously awaiting Allison's Wonderland.
Best tracks: Wonderland, Alabama
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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