Lady A have been reasserting their roots over the past year, with the release of the first chapter of their – What A Song Can Do. Tomorrow, Lady A unleash the second part of that project, showing their breadth of capabilities and we review What A Song Can Do below.
Since the release of their self-titled debut album, Lady A have been constantly experimenting with the parameters of their sound, from the experimental Heart Break in 2017 to the pop sounds on Need You Now in 2010 to a deep dive into their country roots on Ocean in 2019. What A Song Can Do is a continuation of that rediscovery, placing the lyrics and the art of the song as the core focus, built around their signature, rich harmonies. It’s a tenderly crafted project that charts their journey of rediscovery, digging into their emotional sensibilities in every area of their life, as Kelley himself states, “You rarely learn through the good times. Hardship is where that happens.” It’s clear they spent time finding this place – nearly 60 songs were written for the project, selecting just 14 to showcase – all of which were co-written by at least one member of the trio. There is a sense throughout the record of the quiet joy and contentment the band feel at rediscovering this home, as Scott describes the record, “It was an outlet for us to dream about touring again – and connecting with our fans.”
On the first half of the project that has already been released the band played away with their signature sound, from the lead-out, 80s rock-tinged track ‘Like A Lady’ that was built for live shows rather than studio versions to the heart-wrenchingly nostalgic ‘Things He Handed Down’ to the stunning and clever co-write with Ryan Hurd, ‘What A Song Can Do’ – all which set the stage for a beautifully tender and cohesive collection of songs. That half was rounded out with ‘Worship What I Hate,’ a brutally honest look at who we become if we’re not paying attention, especially in the modern world. ‘Before I really wake up / The first thing I touch is a button on a screen / I’m not guilty of leaving, not sticking around / I’m guilty of staying and just checking out / Yeah, I kept my head down and really missed out / On what’s in front of me.’ The track is led by the vulnerable power of Scott’s vocal as she opines on the state of being present that is a powerful lead into the second half of the album.
The second half of the project is kicked off with ‘Where Would I Be’ that looks at the road not travelled is a heart-swelling ballad about the road that they have travelled as a band, both as artists and individuals. ‘Where would I be without your love / And what would I do if I woke up / One day and found out this was all a dream? / Where would I be without your soul? / Reminding me I’m always home / As long as I can hear your melody.’ It’s a tenderly enacted track, stripped back to showcase the full power of the band’s signature harmonies.
‘Friends Don’t Let Friends’ is a delightful collaboration with Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett and Darius Rucker – three of the most unique vocalists in country music right now. A country version of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends,’ it’s a grooving, upbeat track about the community of friendship. ‘If you need a wingman / I can hold a cold can / I can pick up the phone man / Won’t let you leave out to dry.’ It’s a track that showcases the magic of Dan Huff’s production as he reinvigorates the band’s signature sound, merging rootsy pop with straight-up country and electrifying harmony in a cohesive and magical mix. More than anything, the track is pure joy – you can tell the artists on the track are celebrating the fact that after lockdown they are able to be in the same room again to unleash their creativity. Elsewhere, the same joyful spirit is brought back on ‘You Keep Thinking That’ that showcases a funkier, more modern sound, amped up by the opening vocoder-lined bars on Scott’s vocal, as she sings to an ex about being over them, despite what they think. ‘I hate to break it to you / But I’ve been seeing someone new / And he ain’t anything like you.’ It’s immensely fun romp, with sonic nods to ‘You Look Good’ but altered for the context of What A Song Can Do that fits seamlessly.
Still the heart-rendering, swelling ballads that are Lady A’s staple are brought in throughout. ‘In Waves’ is a swaying track about the inability to move on. ‘Missing you comes in waves / When the sun goes down on this Gulf coast town, I’m missing you / When the whiskey hits and it burns like this, I’m missing you.’ It’s a soaring, swirling track about heartbreak, whereas ‘Be That For You’ offers a heart-swelling and romantic ballad. ‘If you’re off the tracks and you’ve lost your way / On the days when only grace will do / I’ll be that for you.’ It’s a gloriously tender track, brought to life by stunning production by Dan Huff that enables the track to avoid cliche territory. It’s a classic Lady A track, akin to ‘I Run To You’ – emotionally-laden, rich harmonies, flawlessly delivered. Bringing in a different element to their ‘ballad’ repertoire, ‘Workin’ On This Love’ sees Dave Haywood step up to the mic for his first-ever lead vocal in 15 years. On the track he delivers an acoustic poem, written solo for his wife, Kelli, to honour Mother’s Day, delivered with so much tender emotion that it makes you wonder why he hasn’t taken lead more often. ‘I’ll be a shelter to hold your heart / Taking care of every part / Laying every stone, stronger as it grows / Building up my life, all around you and I.’The project is rounded out with ‘Swore I Was Leaving’ – a soaring ballad that showcases everything that have made Lady A the success they are, rich and tight harmonies, tenderly crafted lyricism and swelling production that allows the vocals to take up centre stage.
What A Song Can Do is a showcase of the power of Lady A as artists and songwriters. It’s clear as Kelley says, “We’ve rediscovered our purpose, and it’s to entertain and spread a positive message…I want our legacy to be songs that make people feel good. …But I also think there’s more to our story that hasn’t been written yet.” It’s a true return to emotional songwriting that was kicked off on Ocean, where the trio have dug into their signature sound and their roots allowing a true sense of contentment to be infused throughout the entire album – a trust in each other and themselves.
Read our Destination Country partner, Entertainment Focus’s interview with Lady A here.
