Laura Cantrell – Just Like A Rose: The Anniversary Sessions (2023) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Laura Cantrell – Just Like A Rose: The Anniversary Sessions (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 41:56 minutes | 839 MB | Genre: Country, Country Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Propeller Sound Recordings

After a nine-year hiatus, Laura Cantrell, a familiar presence in the international Americana & Roots music scene, is back with her latest studio album. Over the years, she has won over loyal audiences both in her home country and the UK through her constant touring and numerous media appearances. Although the album was originally intended to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, the recording was delayed due to covid restrictions. This new collection was expertly crafted in studios located in both New York City and Nashville, with the help of renowned luminaries like Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, and Rosie Flores.It’s said that good things come to those who wait. That’s certainly true of New York-via-Nashville singer-songwriter Laura Cantrell. Her superlative new album, Just Like a Rose: The Anniversary Sessions, comes nearly a decade after her last full-length, 2014’s No Way There from Here.

Thanks to savvy production from Don Fleming (Sonic Youth, Teenage Fanclub), Rosie Flores (Wanda Jackson), Paul Burch (Lambchop), and Ed Stasium (Ramones, Talking Heads)—Just Like a Rose sounds timeless, and touches on multiple approaches: heartland-rock Bangles (the title track), pedal steel–augmented vintage country (“Bide My Time”), folk-leaning ’70s soft rock (“Unaccompanied”), and gentle Americana (“I’m Gonna Miss This Town”).

As it turns out, this long gap between albums stemmed partly from COVID delays. Cantrell had originally wanted Just Like a Rose to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, but the extra time gave room for both new songs and tunes Cantrell has had kicking around, and also left the door open for an impressive list of musical collaborators. Steve Earle chimes in with gruff vocals on the Lone Justice-esque highlight “When The Roses Bloom Again,” while Buddy Miller also makes contributions alongside Flores and Burch.

Lyrically, however, Cantrell also explores the emotional vicissitudes of modern life. The waltzing ballad “AWM – Bless” is a scathing indictment of the thorny modern political climate (“AWM” stands for “Angry White Man”) that ends with the devastating, passive-aggressive phrase “bless your heart.” Meanwhile, “I’m Gonna Miss This Town” chronicles the conflicted feelings often present when leaving home. In contrast, the protagonist of “Brand New Eyes” embraces new beginnings after setting out on their own. At the end of the day, Cantrell’s clear-eyed observations buoy Just Like a Rose—and ensure it’s one of the most emotionally satisfying albums of 2023. – Annie Zaleski

Tracklist:

1-1. Laura Cantrell – Push The Swing (02:49)
1-2. Laura Cantrell – Bide My Time (02:29)
1-3. Laura Cantrell – Brand New Eyes (04:10)
1-4. Laura Cantrell – Just Like A Rose (04:23)
1-5. Laura Cantrell – When The Roses Bloom Again (04:27)
1-6. Laura Cantrell – Secret Language (04:27)
1-7. Laura Cantrell – Unaccompanied (03:04)
1-8. Laura Cantrell – I’m Gonna Miss This Town (03:14)
1-9. Laura Cantrell – Good Morning Mr. Afternoon (02:51)
1-10. Laura Cantrell – Holding You In My Heart (03:56)
1-11. Laura Cantrell – AWM – Bless (05:58)

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