Wildhorse
Die With Your Boots On, 2020
9/10
A Norwegian songstress who possesses a quality to her song craft that runs parallel with the sounds of Nashville, where this album was created, Malin Pettersen brings players from the bands of Kacey Musgraves, Rayland Baxter, and Luke Bryan to this rich and varied display of exceptional skill.
“California” starts the listen with warm, pretty Americana as Pettersen’s gripping vocals draw us in immediately to the cautious song craft that tips it hat to the Laurel Canyon sound, and “Hometown” follows with some country spirit packed into the pedal steel and rustic melodies.
Near the middle, “Let’s Go Out” injects some pop ideas into the upbeat and danceable spirit, while “Arkansas” is so well executed it alone could make Pettersen a household name with its pretty singing and engaging melodies. “I Don’t Care”, another strong track, recruits plenty of intimacy amid a poetic execution that seems wise beyond her years.
Closer to the end, the rhythmic “Mr. Memory” offers playful roots rock adventure, and “Queen Of The Meadow” exits the listen with a sweet atmosphere of dreamy musicianship that easily solidifies Pettersen as a first rate songwriter.
Managing to sound both modern and also indebted to the ‘70s, Pettersen is an Americana artist we should all be paying attention to, and my guess is, after one listen of Wildhorse, you’ll agree with me.
Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast