What a difference a week makes, as last week, so many of us throughout the south especially were trying to dig ourselves out of a winter wonderland. Now, we sit here on the heels of spring approaching and I could not be any happier. As much as I truly love winter, my mental state is ready for some warmth and sunshine, but before we say goodbye to the winter blues, let us check out two new releases that for the most part give two big ‘fuck yous’ to the world.
Lucy Spraggan Choices
Since its inception in 2004, the extremely popular British talent show The X Factor has discovered some of the biggest names in music. Leona Lewis, Olly Murs, Cher Lloyd, One Direction, and Little Mix all got their start on the brainchild of Simon Cowell. Another amazing artist that shined on The X Factor but has not yet reached the household name status as some of her counterparts is Lucy Spraggan.
Lucy was a contestant on the ninth season of the show and once the live performances began, she fell ill and bowed out of the competition prematurely. Her debut album Join The Club that she released prior to being on the show raced up the charts showing Spraggan that she was going to be alright despite having to withdraw from contention.
Spraggan is releasing her sixth studio album Choices and it’s pretty evident early in the album that this is not an album you are going to want to put on at a party. The English singer-songwriter finds addiction and mental health flowing throughout the new album. One bright note is as the album is coming to an end, she discovers some self-love and sings that it is ok to not being afraid of being you. Album closers “Choices (Don’t Be Afraid)” and “Why Don’t We Start From Here” sees the singer on a high with a newly found positive look on life.
The very raw and vulnerable “Sober” shows just how strong of a storyteller Lucy is as she talks about her struggles with giving up alcohol. Another shining example of Spraggan’s songwriting is “Heartbreak Suites” a song about the dissolving of her marriage and the importance of keeping some of your independence while in a relationship.
Melvins Working With God
For a band to have a long successful career, they must be able to switch things up over the years and be open to experimenting with different sounds and visions for the band. One band that is constantly keeping their fans on their toes is the Washington-based Melvins. For nearly 40 years, the Melvins have been one of the most inspirational bands in rock music as they were key elements in the evolution of grunge.
The trio is back with Working With God their first release since 2018’s Pinkus Abortion Technician. The sludge metal legends kick off the new album with a tender adaptation of the Beach Boys classic “I Get Around” lovingly titled “I Fuck Around.” The Melvins have never really been a band that seemed to take itself that serious and that mindset is on display on the new album through the laid-backness the trio exudes through their lyrics and often chaotic playing.
One of the highlights of the album comes in the form of “Caddy Daddy” which oddly gives me Spinal Tap “Big Bottom” vibes. It is a slower song which is uncharacteristic for the band but delivers hard and is bound to be a fan favorite on the album. For those that have been following the Melvins for the past four decades will surely have Working With God on repeat for some time to come.
Also check out some of the other amazing albums out this week……
- PJ Harvey Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
- Carpool Tunnel Bloom
- Alice Cooper Detroit Stories
- Jetty Bones Push Back
- Russell Louder Humor
- Willie Nelson That’s Life
- Sad Night Dynamite Sad Night Dynamite
Steven McCash is the Music Columnist for SoBros Network. He is the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music, in addition to the occasional live show review. Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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