| Bramble Rose - Tift Merritt | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
From the opening strum of the acoustic guitar it's apparent that Tift Merritt is not your average country singer. In fact, I would classify her in the same singer/songwriter class as Emmylou Harris (nowadays), Shelby Lynne, Carole King, Alison Moorer, and Sheryl Crow.
On Bramble Rose, Tift's Lost Highway Records debut, there isn't one track that doesn't have a sound to it that is reminiscent to songs written by those above. Like Emmylou and Alison can do, Tift is able to meld the country, folk, and rock genres all into one sound that is strikingly similar to Kasey Chambers. Every track on Bramble Rose was written by Tift while the CD was produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Chris Stills).
The opening lines of the song "Trouble Over Me" would suggest a soft ballad. However once into the meat of the song, the song kicks into full throttle and thus the song is a wonderful introduction into the world that revolves around Tift Merritt. The chorus actually makes you think you are listening to a countrified Sheryl Crow. I say this because vocally and musically, this song could be on one of her CDs.
"Virginia, No One Can Warn You" has a nice sound that harkens to Emmylou Harris. Featuring a prominent pedal steel guitar in the background, the song nonetheless has a Beatles-sounding chord structure to it. With the new but familiar sound, this track if given a chance at country radio could be a nice surprise hit. It certainly has a roots sound to it.
Another song that recalls Emmylou is the gorgeous "Bird of Freedom." About a man who died in the Vietnam War, the song nonetheless has a southern rock sound to it like it is from the 1970s and I can see Janis Joplin or Joan Baez singing the song. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the song has transformed into an even deeper song.
"Bramble Rose" is a nice waltz that is about as country as a song can get. It features a wonderful steel guitar and mandolin. About a woman who tries hard to love a man and compares it to a tough bramble rose on the side of the street.
"I Knew Him Too" could be a hit at country radio. Written as sort of the women's "She Doesn't Dance," the song is about a woman who sees the man she used to date dancing closely with a new woman. With its lyrics, chord structure and roots sound to it, this track is my favorite cut on the CD.
Closing out the CD, "When I Cross Over" is a bittersweet song about a woman who tries to find a new start in many towns only to realize that she needs to stop running and start a new life where's she is at. With its sound that is strikingly similar to a Bonnie Raitt song this song is the perfect song to end a stellar CD.
With the songs about love, faith, friendship and compassion, Tift Merritt's Bramble Rose is one fine CD that showcases what kind of artistry is on the fringes of country music.
Song List:
Sound Clips courtesy of Tift Merrit's Official Website
Album cover, used with permission of Lost Highway.
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