World Is Waiting
Blackbird, 2020
8/10
A sophisticated artist who embraces Americana, gospel, and, most notably, blues, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter Nikki O’Neill offers us 7 tracks here with much variety and a cozy timelessness where her esteemed band also welcome several guests, too.
“That’s How You Lose Her” starts the listen percussively strong as warm guitars and Jon Gold’s organ enter the soulful and rhythmic climate that will get your body moving, and “A Man For All Seasons” follows with a calmer pace of gentle vocals alongside bluesy ideas as breezy melodies are supported by Doug Organ’s subtle keys.
Elsewhere, “World Is Waiting” recruits an Americana spirit as O’Neill’s versatile vocals are front and center on the guitar friendly, soft rocker that even flirts with funk, while “All I Wanna Be Is Yours” finds a playful place to reside with a shuffling pace of rootsy sensibilities. “Take Back What I Said” exits the listen acoustic, where the bare setting proves that O’Neill excels at any volume.
A very poetic and hook filled affair, O’Neill knows her way around a thoughtful song you won’t forget anytime soon, and anyone with an ear for Americana would be wise to spend some quality time with World Is Waiting.
Travels well with: Crystal Shawanda- Church House Blues; Heather Newman- Rise From The Flames