Album Review

Review: Kelsea Ballerini ‘Unapologetically’ delivers sophomore album
Story by LB Rogers / Contributing Writer It seems as though Kelsea Ballerini has finally embraced the pop country title she has been given with her brand new album, “Unapologetically.” By sticking true to her honest, southern lyricism and including more electronic sounds to the sonic landscape of this record, Ballerini’s sophomore album is sure …

Review: Sam Smith makes anticipated return with ‘The Thrill Of It All’
Story by Blake Holliday / Contributing Writer Sam Smith originally broke into the music scene back in 2014 with his debut, full-length album, “In the Lonely Hour.” His hit single “Stay With Me” was played everywhere, and Smith was performing at and selling out venues such as the Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville and the …

Review: Julien Baker conveys earnest sentiment on ‘Turn Out The Lights’
Story by Hayden Goodridge / Contributing Writer How do you go about loving a piece of art that openly expresses itself as a medium for its author’s suffering? Should it be revered by listeners for its ability to channel personal hardships into appreciable creations, or rather approached as a deeply disquieting account of a person’s …

Review: Destroyer crafts an atmospheric dream on ‘Ken’
Story by Hayden Goodridge / Contributing Writer The backdrop of Destroyer’s “Ken” is one of refined bliss, just relaxed enough to lull a listener into the ethereal space it creates. Synthesizers breathe and come alive against a carefree beat, and in the distance an errant saxophone can be heard effortlessly riffing away. Amidst this world …

Review: Margo Price presents progressive country outlook on ‘All American Made’
Story by Hayden Goodridge / Contributing Writer Margo Price somehow manages to fall outside any and all norms of country music. Signed to the famed Third Man Records in Nashville, the 34-year-old singer-songwriter was taken under the wing of the label’s curator and rock-giant, Jack White. On her 2016 debut, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” Price established …

Review: Bill Murray shocks fans with ‘New Worlds’
Story by Wendy Anderson / Contributing Writer Bill Murray recently released an album, “New Worlds,” with cellist Jan Vogler — and yes, it’s the Bill Murray you’re thinking of. Together, Murray and Vogler have worked on the album for years, and it features Vanessa Perez on piano and Mira Wang on violin. The comedic actor …