Since Frank
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Nashville resident Amy Stroup already has an impressive resume with song placement on This Is Us, Parenthood, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Vampire Diaries, and Walking Dead, among many others, and this 4th solo album has the artist displaying a rich and emotional honesty.
The listen opens with the soft piano of “Valley”, where graceful strings and playful synthetic drums make for a dreamy climate, and “Just The Beginning” follows with a soothing gospel influence that spotlights Stroup’s expressive voice amid some modern pop ideas.
“Break The Feeling” occupies the middle spot, and flows with an intimate spirit that benefits much from soft guitar work and crunchy drums, while “Sleep In” emits some hazy pop-folk ideas that are charming and poetic.
“Sailboat” and “Self Talk” exit the listen, where the former is textured playfully with a busy but melodic approach, and the latter radiates a swirling energy of dance floor ready nods that are as meticulous as they are memorable.
A listen inspired by her trip with her dog, Frank, Stroup’s clearly done a lot of soul searching lately, and it makes for a very well thought out and lush affair that illustrates her inimitable talents outside the work for Google, Nike and Lexus that she’s known for.
Travels well with: Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light- Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light; Jane Bruce- My Bed