Indie
Hannah Ellis Album “That Girl” Is A Captivating Debut
Country music has always had a formulaic blend to it, but some artists know how to utilize it a lot better than others. Hannah Ellis is someone who understands the importance of connecting with her audience and, more importantly, adopting a stylistic profile that fits her voice organically, and this is precisely why her new album That Girl feels as naturally strong as it does. Where others are fighting the idea of embracing the minimalist elements that are comprising a new era of country jams, this is a singer/songwriter prepared to take her place in the center of the spotlight. To me, she’s found a way to take an old-fashioned formula and make it sound incredibly fresh and original, which is no easy feat by anyone’s standards.
There’s nothing one-note about the vocal Ellis is putting up in “Still,” “Wine Country,” “Plans,” or the brilliantly soft “Home and a Hometown,” and I like that she isn’t afraid to be a little indulgent at the microphone in any portion of That Girl. She hits these hooks with everything she’s got at a time when minimalism has been a disturbingly popular trend, and instead of giving us a taste of what we would hear in a concert setting, I get the impression she’s producing as close to a raw, live juggernaut as is possible from within the confines of a recording studio.
“Karma on the Rocks,” “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” and one of my favorite tracks from the record, “Country Can,” present us with an Ellis ready and willing to exploit rhythm as a means of accentuating her lyrics rather than as an agent of progressive exclusively, which on its own puts her leaps and bounds ahead of her rivals right now. She seems genuinely eager to experiment with the limitations of her genre, and yet there’s nothing here to indicate that she wants to abandon the core values of a more traditional country sound just for the sake of getting additional followers on TikTok. Contrarily, songs like “Somebody Else” and the namesake song in That Girl project an affection for the old school that can still exist in the new Nashville provided they’re being presented by someone as alluring as this artist and her work has been to date.
Country’s pop side is getting a surge of buzz like few other genres in America are at the moment, but I can’t say that I’ve heard another singer doing it justice quite as well as Hannah Ellis is. I can’t wait to hear what she’s going to come up with next, but at any rate, I think it’s undeniable when listening to That Girl that Ellis is onto a firm formula for songcraft she could easily ride into the primetime if promoted in the right fashion. That Girl lives up to its lofty title and what it implies about its creator, and although star tracks like “Too Much & Not Enough” and “Country Can” stand out as obvious video/single hits, there’s no unwanted excess here. To me, this was made to captivate a new generation of country music lovers everywhere.
Clay Burton
Artist Spotlight
FBL_QUARTEZ Delivers Smooth Confidence and Comfort on “Don’t Worry”
“Don’t Worry” by FBL_QUARTEZ is a polished R&B/Hip-Hop song that sets the mood and is meant to make people seeking comfort, connection, and reassurance feel better. This song is perfect for adults and fits perfectly with the mood of Valentine’s Day, but it can be listened to all year long.
The production sets up a smooth, welcoming mood right away. The instrumental is smooth and warm, blending modern R&B with classic hip-hop. It makes you feel at ease, which is the main point of the song, letting go of stress and being clear about your feelings.
FBL_QUARTEZ sings with confidence and control. The performance has a calm confidence that makes the message feel real instead of like it was done for show. The delivery feels natural, as if the artist is trying to reassure you rather than impress you. This method intensifies the song’s emotional pull.
“Don’t Worry” is a great song for its target audience because it speaks to people who like smooth grooves and relatable emotions. It’s a song that works well for late-night drives, quiet moments, and reflecting. The speed lets the listener get used to the mood without rushing through it.
What makes this release stand out is how clear its purpose is. Every part of the song, from the production to the vocal tone, helps convey its comforting message. It feels like it was planned, polished, and grounded in emotion.
FBL_QUARTEZ’s “Don’t Worry” is a song that puts feeling over flash, making it a great addition to holiday and beyond playlists. It reminds us that sometimes the best music is the kind that meets people where they are and gives them a moment of peace.
Artist Spotlight
Cameron Dallas Builds Momentum and Confidence on “CATCH!”
“CATCH!” is a pop song by Cameron Dallas that goes into bold territory. It needs movement, confidence, and an immediate impact to work. The song sounds like it was made for action from the first beat. It could be blasting through speakers on a drive or playing on a late-night dance floor.
The production on “CATCH!” is smooth and shiny, giving the song a modern pop sound that feels well-planned and focused. Every part of the song is meant to move it forward, giving it a sense of momentum that never stops. This song works best when you press play and let it play without stopping.
Cameron gives a powerful vocal performance that grabs your attention. His voice stands out in the production, striking a good balance between control and charm. He rides the beat with such ease that it makes me think he knows exactly what he wants this song to do and who it’s for. He focuses on simplicity and energy, letting the track speak for itself.
“CATCH!” stands out because it is so sure of itself. It takes it. There are no wasted moments in the song, thanks to its tight structure and pacing. The parts of the song flow into each other nicely, which supports the idea that it’s meant to be played over and over again and instantly connect with people.
“CATCH!” sounds like a statement of momentum for Cameron Dallas, showing that he has improved in both sound and delivery.
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