Grateful
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A long running singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Caroline Wiles returns with her 5th album, and it’s a harmonic and memorable excursion into the pop sounds of many decades ago.
“Make A Memory With Me” gets the listen off to a very melodic and dreamy, pop friendly approach that recruits bouncy bass from Bob Doidge and Wiles’ playful, pretty singing, and “Shine Shine Shine” follows with an upbeat and positive demeanor that would sound right at home on the radio in the ‘70s with its timeless soft-rock.
Further on, “What Could Have Been” is initially a more calm moment with bouts of emotive and soaring singing as well as Wiles’ warm acoustic guitar, while “Splendidly” showcases Wiles on harmonica, too, as Andrew Aldridge’s electric guitar won’t go unnoticed either in the folk influenced setting. The title track, which is one of the best, then swirls with a retro-pop appeal where similarities to Gordon Lightfoot, who she also covers on the record, are much appreciated.
Closer to the end, “Lovey Dovey” brings country ideas to the formula with Shane Guse’s well timed fiddle amid the poetic landscape, and “She Loves Him” exits the listen with a sweet and infectious haze of charming nostalgic pop that sounds like could have been birthed from the ‘60s on.
A professional musician since the age of 18, Wiles brings a wealth of talent and experience to these 10 songs, and her meshing of folk, country and pop makes for a splendid and very cheery listening experience.
Travels well with: Grace Morrison- Daughter; Anya Hinkle- Eden And Her Borderlands