Crooked Roots
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A rising Nashville artist who navigates her way around a pop influenced song that brings us back to the early 2000’s, Hadley Kennary knows how to have a good time with her craft, but also reaches out on an emotional level, too, with this quick, diverse listen.
“Orbit” starts the listen with some warm atmosphere before Kennary’s expressive and pretty pipes enter the melodic, soulful and rootsy feel that deserves to be played loud, and “Crooked Roots” follows with a calm approach of sublime beauty amid a poetic delivery as Kennary addresses the tribulations of growing up.
Halfway through, “Possession Of Pain” makes great use of synthetic drums alongside soaring vocals and a bit more grit but with no shortage of harmony, also, while “Everything Hurts” makes precise use of keys with a charming ‘80s feel.
“Love Like That”, the last track, then exits with a breezy, heartfelt demeanor that’s a bit dreamy and immediately absorbing in its cozy appeal.
Kennary doesn’t waste a second here, and meshes pop, soul, country and singer-songwriter ideas into a very sincere and timeless listen. She’s already got an impressive body of work, and also pens songs for others, too, and the comparisons to Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow and Bre Kennedy are certainly warranted and appreciated.
Travels well with: Lydia Luce- Dark River; Dori Freeman- Ten Thousand Roses