Red Roses And Cowgirl Dreams
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to Red Roses And Cowgirl Dreams
The Minneapolis singer-songwriter, guitarist and author Courtney Yasmineh returns with 14 new, original songs, and much like everything that’s comprised her work, it’s forthright, heartfelt and full of gritty and tuneful rock’n’roll that covers many genres and moods.
Yasmineh puts the title track in the opening spot, where her distinct and inviting vocals bring us into an autobiographical folk-rock setting with some country spirit, and “Hope 20/20” follows with an initially calmer spirit that bounces with a charming, melodic display of rural rock.
Elsewhere, “The Creek” makes good use of piano and light drumming alongside Yasmineh’s poetic singing, while the soulful “Trying Times For Love” recruits a romantic approach of lush songwriting. “Ruined For Life” then showcases Yasmineh’s powerful, emotive singing amid the graceful keys and strategic percussion.
Close to the end, the album’s best tune, “Sixty Years”, gallops with a punchy and infectious energy of country tinted rock you won’t be able to sit still to, and “Whitney Rose Don’t Give Up” exits the listen with her vivid storytelling that surrounds rock, blues and gospel moments.
Now 8 albums deep and several decades into her career, Yasmineh’s body of work is consistently great and relatable, and this installment with the producer Rob Genadek is as a great place to start as anywhere in her catalog, especially if you enjoy folk, country, gospel, and timeless rock’n’roll that runs parallel to names like Bob Dylan, Emmy Lou Harris or Cat Stevens.
Travels well with: Courtney Yasmineh- Songs From The Open Road; Haley- Pleasureland