Record Label: Hollywood Records
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
- Ah Mary
- Stop The Bus
- Apologies
- Ain't No Time
- Mr. Columbus
- You May See Me
- Lose Some Time
- Mastermind
- Here's To The Meantime
- Falling Or Flying
- Big White Gate
It's no big surprise to discover that Grace Potter has been compared to the likes of Lucinda Williams, Janis Joplin, Sheryl Crow, Joss Stone and Bonnie Raitt. There's this soulful quality about Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and it's none more evident on their latest album, This Is Somewhere.
Their third studio album, and their first with Hollywood Records (unless you count the re-release of Nothing But The Water), the album is a mixture of blues, soul, country, melodic folk and rock.
It's hard to believe that, lead singer, Grace Potter is only 24 years-old, and downright mind boggling to think that someone that young has evolved into such a brilliant songwriter, singer, and performer.
This Is Somewhere, is kicked off by “Ah Mary”, which showcases the sometimes whispery vocals of Potter before she really showcases her vocal range by belting out the chorus.
The band ups the ante with the tracks “Apologies”- a ballad about love and loss, “Mastermind” and “Here's to the meantime”, both the latter, rollicking, toe-tapping numbers that evoke the imagery of smoky bars, rowdy crowds, and good times.
“Falling or Flying” shows shades of a Norah Jones quality within Potter. It's slow, and there's a touch of desperation and hardship in Potter's voice, which makes the song so much more believable.
Each song offers its own unique style, and it's only after you listen to the whole album that you realize that you have sampled many different genres thrown together. And you know what? It works for the band.
In honesty, there is not one song on this album that I don't love. That's a rare thing for me these days, so to find a band that has leaves such a strong impression on me, is a delight in itself.
What makes the album so magical is that it's not just a case of a good singer, but a combination of brilliant songwriter, performing, and heartfelt truthfulness.
Songs not to miss: “Ah, Mary”, “Falling or Flying”, “Mastermind”, and “Ain't No Time”
