BMG/BBR Music Group

***1/2

This latest EP from Brooke Eden is fresh and relevant as she tackles many of her own social issues of the day ... having ‘come out’ publicly onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, assisted by Trisha Yearwood, as the pair sang She’s In Love With The Boy (Girl). Brooke and her now-fiancée, Hilary Hoover, had kept their relationship hidden from the very conservative country music industry for years. Fully herself and ready to lead the way for fellow country gay couples, Brooke puts her heart and soul on her sleeve in these four co-written songs, singing with a purity and honesty that elevates spirits with a vibrant take on a modern pop-country sound. Although her easy mastery of classic pop-country makes it tempting to regard her music as just clever escapism, there’s a lot more going on. The derivative sound is redeemed by eloquent songwriting; her songs tell personal stories in a modern age language that she interprets into a unique mix. There’s a liberating sexiness to the songs and her performance of them. Whether she’s singing about their first dance, the difficulty of secret love and small-time gossip or sharing passionate romantic moments, everything on this gutsy record flows with the warmth, generosity, and beauty of a k d lang valentine.

Given that perspective, it’s little wonder that her deep-felt feelings are continually coming to the fore, whether it’s through the quiet sensual contemplation evidenced in Chills the affable and joyful expression ringing through Whispers, or the giddier sentiments of Outlaw Love. Over all, soars the extraordinary voice of Brooke, which finds unexpected melodies in tracks that build from solid and sturdy foundations via rich and detailed arrangements. Brooke Eden’s sound has always been big thanks to that voice, but with this set, the experience of hearing her is fully immersive, with keyboards, drums, guitars and full-blown harmonies giving her songs a wider, more cinematic scope. It has the power of a vital artist re-introducing herself and cordoning off her own patch of earth. Or at least her own corner of the bar. Brooke’s thematic and energetic gestalt is one of positivity, listeners encouraged to shed their burdens, even if temporarily, and remain true to their calling, whatever that may be. She reflects on the time of transformation and truth, channeling some of her favourite female artists in this powerful collection.

www.brookeeden.com

June 2023