[MUSIC REVIEW] Highway Queen (2017) by Nikki Lane
The opening track on Nikki Lane's third album "Highway Queen" - named "700,000 Rednecks" - deals with the less pleasant sides of life on tour. After a couple weeks you don't smell of roses, the clothes are dirty and the bed at home feels increasingly more inviting. It turns out that the song was written in New York and that it's the result from a night of hard drinking when Lane suddenly began humming: "Seven hundred thousand rednecks – that’s what it takes to get to the top." Her husky voice and outlaw attitude is infectious.
Some critics have complained that Lane is acting country rock, that the music lacks authenticity and that the sound is adapted for a growing audience. The only time that I buy the argument is when I listen to the single "Jackpot." I find it hard to buy the grandiose touch of the song, which is more surface than substance, and the casino metaphors are a bit too obvious. It's often close to kitsch and pure pastiche, but she manages the balancing act exceptionally well. She flirts with decadence, but stands upright with her clever formulations and sensitive performance. Just as Loretta Lynn, she's got a thick enough skin to make sure not to become a comic book versions of herself.
On the whole "Highway Queen" is excellent. Nikki Lane sings better than ever, her voice varies from light to dark and convinces on all levels. The refrain in "Big Mouth" is catchy without ever being radio friendly routine pop and the guitars and piano have a genuine 1950s air. "Foolish Heart" is a tearful and resigned ballad that echoes Neko Case and she sings it with a sensual vulnerability.
The predecessor "All or nothin" (2014) was more spectacular, for the worse. It sounded overdone and was all over the place. "Highway Queen" is more solid and consistent, and has a musical width without sprawling in too many directions. The starting point is country with bluesy phrasing.
Overall a bold, witty, raw and emotional album of very fine country rock. Nikki Lane's hardened and humorous observations are well worth your attention. With Courtney Marie Andrews, Tift Merritt and now Nikki Lane, the country year couldn't have started better.
NIKKI LANE! You out did yourself with this 0ne! This is the BEST s0ng(700,000) I've heard here 0n Steemit thus far. Artwork 0n the Album c0ver is Awesome and I don't even use this word often so, you know it's h0t ha!
Upvoted, Resteemed and am already following. I look forward to hearing more of your music. I will have to purchase this album. Can't wait! You made my day by uplifting my spirits thank you and you are Beautiful & strong;)
EDIT:
Heard a couple more tracks and I like$. I l0ve me some boots and the shot of those boots you were rocking(wearing) in the first part of "Highway Queen" are gangsta! lol