Time to take look at the best of February! I can’t believe how fast that month flew by. If you’re not familiar or just started reading the blog, here’s the drill: Each month all three of us writers will take a look back on the month that was and share our thoughts on the music that was released and some of our favorites. Below that will be a Spotify playlist of all the songs we enjoyed. If you’re a fan of Spotify and use it, we have good news as we have a Country Perspective Spotify page. You can check it out and subscribe here. So let’s talk about the month of February!
Josh
While February may be the shortest month on the calendar, it was not short on great music from country and Americana. The month kicked off with a bang with the release of the self-titled debut album of Dori Freeman. The Virginia artist absolutely blew me away with her brilliant voice and songwriting. From the very first listen I knew I was hearing something special. It’s really hard to pick favorites on an album like this one, but “Ain’t Nobody” and “Fine Fine Fine” were the standouts. The stripped down approach to “Ain’t Nobody” pays off in spades, as Freeman will enthrall you with her voice. On “Fine Fine Fine” you get a firsthand taste at Freeman’s sharp and witty lyrics. If you haven’t heard this album yet, I suggest you go listen to it.
As for the rest of the month, Charles Kelley and Vince Gill delivered above average albums with some nice moments on each. On Kelley’s The Driver, “Leaving Nashville” is hands down the best on it, as Kelley paints a perfect picture of the struggles of the up and coming artist on Music Row. The legendary Gill shines a few times on his new album Down To My Last Bad Habit, most notably on “I Can’t Do This” and “Sad One Comin’ On.” Another artist who impressed with a self-titled debut album was Addison Johnson, who’s all-around traditional approach makes for an enjoyable listening experience. And finally an album that we have yet to review, but plan on reviewing really soon that caught my eye is Caleb Caudle’s Carolina Ghost. It’s a damn fine album and I urge you to check it out and our review of it too.
Derek
Once again, February brings forth a good collection of country music, with Dori Freeman coming away as the month’s best hidden gem. Her self titled debut album was excellent, and her song “Ain’t Nobody” stands as the month’s best song in my opinion. The acapella delivery with the finger snaps is perfect and unique. The other stand out album to me was Addison Johnson’s I’m Just a Song. The traditional country arrangement of the album sounded great, with top-notch songwriting. “My Last Song” and the album’s title track were my favorites on Johnson’s album.
Zack
Although we haven’t reviewed them yet, I also quite enjoyed the latest albums from Wynonna & The Big Noise, as well as the Waco Brothers. Neither are exactly strictly country, but the former has some great blues moments while the latter is a fantastic slice of alt-country. My favorite track from Wynonna’s was “Jesus and A Jukebox,” while my favorite track from the Waco Brothers is “We Know It.”
With new releases from Loretta Lynn, Chris King, Margo Price, and Dave Cobb’s super project coming this March, I honestly think the number of album of the year contenders is going to skyrocket. And we’ll certainly be better for it.