Kailey Nicole
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
With the resurgence of country music in recent years, you’ve really got to be something unique to stand out. Though she’s just barely out of her teens, new Nashville resident Kailey Nicole is throwing her hat in the ring as one of the brightest young stars in Music City with this expertly crafted sophomore EP.
“Brand New Day” starts the listen with plenty of twang in the guitars as Nicole’s voice guides the upbeat and warm setting that recruits pop elements to the party, and “Diamonds & Coal”, a break up song, follows with a swift pace of soaring melodies and dynamic musicianship in the more traditional country atmosphere.
The back half of the listen is equally strong, and includes the emotive and cautious “Change My Ways”, where Nicole’s vocal prowess is illuminated, while “Tennessee”, the EP highlight, brings a slightly darker quality to her timeless delivery of tuneful, rustic sounds. “Country Love Song” ends the listen more calm, with an intimate display of heartfelt songwriting that was actually penned when Nicole was just 15 years old.
Although she might be a new name in the country scene, she actually got her start at the age of 9, and released her first EP at just 16. After taking some time off to formally study music, this comeback record has the songstress proving she has the chops to make waves in both the old and new sounds of country music as she takes on the spirit of an old soul manuevering a young person’s vision.
If Kailey Nicole is a household name by this time next year, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
Travels well with: Jordan Whitmore- Good Things; Lisa Bell- Back Seat