Always The Outsider
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The Nashville artist Stacy Antonel certainly tips her hat to classic country sounds, but she’s also versed in jazz, pop and R&B on this exceptional debut album.
The title track starts the listen with Antonel’s pretty, inviting vocals alongside with warm guitar and crisp drumming in the glowing country spirit, and “Karmic Cord” follows with bass from Joe Reed and Toby Caldwell’s drumming in the eloquent and emotive display of cautious song craft.
Further on, “Planetary Heartache” recruits Ben Moore on B3 organ for the intimate, pedal steel friendly album highlight, while “Absent Captain” moves with a bit more ruggedness that showcases Antonel’s soaring pipes amid Matt Lynott’s precise drumming and Paul Sgroi’s spirited electric guitar.
Approaching the end, “Not Looking For Love” welcomes Sam Hunt on electric guitar for a hint of alt-rock, and “Better Late Than Never” is a more firm display of Antonel’s diverse skills that takes help from Eddie Lange’s glowing pedal steel, which lays the foundation for the gritty roots rock.
Antonel cut her teeth playing country covers before recording an EP as Ginger Cowgirl. Now under her own name, she’s free to explore her many influences and appreciation of several genres, and along with this all-star cast of players she’s penned a really wise and timeless first album.
Travels well with: Angie Goeke- If I Were Honest; Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November