Jon Pardi's
California Sunrise is one of 2016's most essential country records so far. It's a much improved effort from 2014's
Write You A Song. Pardi's top notch vocal performance and swagger over the songs is an exceptional country performance. The title track is as catchy as any of the big pop country acts while maintaining a lot more authenticity. It's as good as the singles that have been getting a ton of airplay from an artist like Eric Church. In truth, at times, Pardi's vocal delivery reminds me a lot of Churche's delivery. The album is well written and produced. It was recorded live in studio and I think they captured a nice overall sound with the production and recording. The first track "Out Of Style" really kicks the album off in style and sets the tone. It's a little rowdy, a little edgy, and super catchy. I think the album follows suit from there and just delivers song after song of solid country gold. The title track ends the album and pretty much book ends it with great intro and closer songs.
There are a lot of standout songs on this. There's no doubt that it will be a great summer country album for me. I can get a little picky with country artists and what exactly I look for, at times. I don't want them to be too glossy but they need to still be listenable. I don't mind them rough around the edges. I usually like country albums to be somewhat traditional sounding in one way or another either musically or vocally. I think
California Sunrise captures most of those elements. This isn't rough around the edges. It's definitely produced for popular appeal. Still it feels like traditional, honest sounding country with earnest leanings. I honestly have only found a handful of albums from the genre this year that I'm really liking so I'm was definitely on the lookout for an album like
California Sunrise. Pardi has a pretty solid standout country album in my opinion. Check this one out!
No comments: