03 October 2019
Abby Brown started young, at the tender age of seven. She and her two young sisters even harmonized together in the band Flatiron Junction. While she idolizes country heroes, like Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss, her second EP opens with “Everyday Of My Life,” an upbeat soul-rock song. However, the project’s title song, “Heart on Fire,” is hot-stepping and acoustic guitar-driven, with a rollicking handclap chorus. This “heart of fire,” speaks of one under the strange power of a man.
The song “Love, Release Me,” appears twice. Once “plugged,” the second time “unplugged.” No matter the style, though, it’s is an odd musical plea. Humans are seemingly constantly searching for true and lasting romantic love. Therefore, why this wish for freedom? If it is true love, why does it feel like slavery? If it seems like incarceration, then maybe it does not actually love. Nevertheless, Brown sounds to be sincerely crying out for release.
Brown covers Maren Morris’ “Sugar,” which is so much better when put alongside Morris’ overly produced reggae-pop original. Brown’s take utilizes plenty of acoustic guitars and just a touch of the organ. Without studio bells and whistles, one is better able to appreciate this song’s smart lyrics. Hopefully, Morris will hear Brown’s version and be inspired to make music just as country-sounding as Brown’s.
It’s tough enough for women to get played on today’s mainstream country radio, even if – as with Morris --- it’s more pop than country. Still, let’s hope airwaves make a little room for the lovely Abby Brown.
David McPherson - Author. The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History Dundurn Press (Sept. 23, 2017)
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