Grey Delisle is described by her publicists as ”a mind-blowingly prolific voice actress, singer-songwriter & more.”.
This latest album features 20 songs and almost an hour’s worth of new material. No writer’s block for her.
She embodies the spirit of country music heroines with big hair, long flouncy gowns, a quavering voice and a bunch of tunes that tug on the heart strings.
Her songs range from the schmaltzy ( e.g. Daddy Can You Fix A Broken Heart, Don’t Let Go Of My Hand) to the sassy (e,g. Sister Shook, I’m A Wreck) . Even when singing the corniest lyrics she still manages to sound authentic.
Alongside the contribution of her long-time creative partner Murry Hammond of Old 97’s other artists on the record include Tammy Rogers (strings), David Ralicke (horns) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel). The arrangements are delicate at times but sharp and punchy when they need to be.
These are songs about real feelings and, while the emotions sometimes seem forced, they always seem genuine. She knows that classic country songs can tweak the most banal sentiments in ways which give them a ring of truth.
Grey DeLisle is a throwback for sure, but the timeless resonance and honesty of her songs make the album more than just another nostalgia trip.
