Free Yourself Up
Nonesuch, 2018
8/10
Lake Street Dive’s 6th album, Free Yourself Up, thankfully continues the strong songwriting prowess we’ve come to expect from the esteemed members, where front woman Rachael Price’s inimitable alto guides us through plenty of thoughtful and clever tunes.
“Baby, Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts” gets the album started off to a finger snappin’ and soulful start, where grooves come in spades as the music flows both eloquently and playfully, and “Good Kisser” follows with an upbeat and charming delivery as Price’s pipes show incredible range.
Near the middle, “I Can Change” brings the record into balladry, where Price mesmerizes us with a repetitive line that somehow never out welcomes its stay, while “Dude” offers frisky rhythm and a danceable approach to the sing-along highlight that’s indebted to the blues.
Deeper into the listen, “Doesn’t Even Matter Now” is beautifully textured with nods to the ‘70s, and “You Are Free” finds the listen at the most guitar driven setting with pop melodies that you can’t help but be smitten with. “Hang On” ends the listen with a punchy, throwback execution of precise fun, effectively putting the punctuation mark on another fine album from Lake Street Dive.
An outfit who are undeniably retro in their formula, the smooth pop appeal here is certainly well done enough to reel in many new fans while satiating their longtime listeners with plenty of their jazz, R&B and Motown traces.
Travels well with: Sister Sparrow- Gold; Greyhounds- Cheyenne Valley Drive