This is the second set I've reviewed from Peggy James. I think I prefer this one to the other. The mix of sounds here is intriguing with leaning toward country, folk and retro rock. It all works pretty well.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022 Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.
Track by Track Review
I Go with Me I really like the lush arrangement on the introduction to this a lot. The track drops back for the entrance of the vocals. This has a cool pop rock vibe with some intriguing layers of sound added to the mix. Symphonic instrumentation lends some interesting flavoring.
Willow Folk music and country are on the menu here. There is really a lot of twang in the instrumental arrangement. This number doesn't work as well for me as the opener did.
Thousand Reasons I like the more soaring vocal performance on this cut. The track has more of a folk rock angle to it. I think this is my favorite of the three opening tracks. It's a standout on the disc. It has some great hooks and a lot of class.
Guardian Angel
The vocals bring a little country angle to this, but the song is more of a soaring pop rock number. This is another that lands on the stronger end of the spectrum. It gets pretty rocking before it's over.
Hard Times With country music and an old-school pop rock vibe, this has some good hooks, but it's not really as strong as some of the rest here to me.
Best in Me I like this quite a bit. It has some folk music magic along with retro rock tones and textures.
So Subtle I really dig the country rocking groove on this number a lot. It's one of my favorite songs here. Everything about it works so well.
Joan of Arc More of a powerful ballad, I like this a lot. The guitar solo is particularly tasty.
Indoor Cat This is a pretty and evocative number. The acoustic guitar intricacies bring some real beauty, and the violin adds some magic.
Crossroad Moment With some country music in the mix, this is a fun folk rock romp.
The Parade A harder rocking piece, this is a lot of fun. It's a cool romp.
