There certainly have been a multitude of stellar female releases this year, but none hold a candle to Kelsey Waldon’s sophomore release, I’ve Got A Way. Released on August 12th, the beautifully classic, country collection contains ten songs, eight originals, and two covers that Waldon does more than justice. Traditional country melodies coupled with sharp, insightful songwriting flow through the album which begins with the glorious twang and pedal steel of “Dirty Old Town,” about that internal struggle of leaving the town you call home. “I keep fighting with my left side, fighting with my right side, fighting with all I got/Dirty old town make you sink right down, make it feel like it’s your last shot.” Waldon’s sweet vocals express the (incredibly relatable) desire to be alone rather than having to change in order to be with, or please, another on “All By Myself”: “The moon can’t hide behind the stars/It can’t go anywhere when it gets too dark/Don’t wanna hide my face behind a cloud/Don’t wanna listen to that voice when it gets too loud,” Defiance and strength prevail on standout “You Can Have It” where she once again speaks to being herself, and perhaps the bigger person, in a myriad of life situations while the rollicking and rowdy, “False King” builds on the themes of trying your best and staying true to who you are rather than being a fraud, “Can’t place the crown on the head of a clown and then hope it turns out to be a king.” Simple and thoughtful, the title says it all in “Don’t Hurt The Ones” (Who’ve Loved You The Most) while “I’d Rather Go On,” straightforward, honest and ultimately sad, tells of a relationship where she would rather “go on living without you forever than ever having to live with you today” even though she still loves him. Sadness is accompanied by loneliness, as well as a slight hopefulness, in Waldon’s take on the Gosdin Brother’s “There Must Be A Someone,” “Why can’t a woman be accepted for what she has to be?/Must I live my whole life through not knowing what to do?/There must be someone I can turn to;” while “Let’s Pretend” shuffles along, sublimely narrating the fun of romance. Waldon rounds out the album with “Life Moves Slow” reflecting on returning to that familiar place time doesn’t seem to touch, an affecting, almost haunting rendition of Bill Monroe’s “Travelin’ Down This Lonesome Road” and “The Heartbreak” a genuine thank you to the one who, through hurt, brought her to where she is in life. I’ve Got A Way showcases a woman who is independent, honest and assured, creating music that is meaningful, touching and timeless.
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