Revelation Road

Shelby Lynne

Everso Records, 2011

http://www.shelbylynne.com

REVIEW BY: David Bowling

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 09/26/2011

Why Shelby Lynne is not a bigger star is beyond me. For over two decades, she has consistently produced some of the finest music you can find. She has now returned with her newest release, Revelation Road. Several tracks are currently available on iTunes and the CD will be released October 18.

Lynne began her recording career during 1988, and after issuing six albums, she oddly received the 2001 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her most successful album to date was her 2008 tribute to Dusty Springfield titled my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 Just A Little Lovin’.

2010 was a busy year, as she released two studio albums on her newly formed label, Everso Records. This has enabled her to take full control of her career. Her latest album was written, performed, and produced by her, so it is all hers, for better or worse.

Revelation Road is her most personal album to date, finding Lynne looking into her past for songs of loss and self-examination and her future for some songs of comfort and hope. The music treads the line between alternative country and Americana pop. It is not quite stripped down to basics but acoustic guitars form the foundation upon which she builds her sound. The music and lyrics rotate between harsh and beautiful, which serves to enhance both styles.

The title song is the first track and establishes the theme of the album. Now in her early forties, she is attempting to find personal redemption from her music. Through her lyrics she is disclosing and revealing her soul and inviting the listener to accompany her on the journey.

Once in a while, she expands outward musically. “Even Angels” is a comfortable and easy going music track but the vocal gets very bluesy. “I Don’t Need A Reason To Cry” was assembled well as there is overdubbing, plus some of the guitar sounds match the tone of her vocals. “Heaven’s Only Days Down The Road” is an edgy gospel number.

The highlight is “I’ll Hold Your Hand,” which is constructed as a lullaby. It presents both sides of the album as it explores the hard life but ultimately finds comfort. “Tomorrow’s Sunday, come and rest you soul” are contained in the lyrics and form a nice summary of the album’s ultimate message and intent.

Rating: B+

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© 2011 David Bowling and The Daily Vault. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of Everso Records, and is used for informational purposes only.