Baby Blues & Stilettos
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to Baby Blues & Stilettos
A New York native who now calls Nashville home, though this is multi-instrumentalist Alyssa Trahan’s debut record, you certainly wouldn’t think so based on her exceptional genre blurring and sharp songwriting skill.
“We Used To Be Happy” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and Trahan’s pretty, eloquent singing as a punchy pop flavor enters with no shortage of melody, and “My Favorite Song” follows with grit and tunefulness as Trahan’s versatile pipes guide the country rock fun that benefits from a mandolin.
Near the middle, “Psychology” is equal parts barn yard hoedown and late night club energy as Trahan’s bright pipes make an impression amid strategic banjo, while “Tilt-A-Whirl” is a dreamy, even romantic, dip into calmer, string friendly song craft that’s no less impactful. “The Narcissist”, one of the album’s best, then plants plenty of driving rock’n’roll into Trahan’s timeless formula, where Charles Trahan provides proficient slide guitar.
Closer to the end, “Memories Not Dreams” finds itself closer to ballad territory, as Trahan’s wise storytelling is supported by her deft acoustic guitar playing and Craig Wilson’s piano, and “My Turn” exits the listen with the songstress hitting some pretty high notes on the reflective finish where she plays all the instruments.
No one could deny that country influences are rapidly seeping into mainstream music, and Trahan’s modern pop production and easily relatable tunes are so well executed, I doubt I’d be the first person to claim that she could easily be a household name this time next year, as this woman has talent like few others will ever possess.
Travels well with: Lilly Winwood- Time Well Spent; Terry McBride- Rebels & Angels