IT DOESN’T GET MORE REAL THAN THIS
It’s not often that an album comes out that is instantly likeable. And Brit Taylor’s just-released debut album, Real Me, is also drenched in honesty, soulfulness and non-saccharine sweetness. And she goes deeper than just country; her ten songs are flavored with blues and rock. And she writes some great hooks. And… aw just get it! We’ll list the tracks and info from the press release below.
1. Back In The Fire (Taylor, Pat McLaughlin, Dan Auerbach)
According to Jonny Lewis from Song Decode, “Back in the Fire” is a purple-hued kaleidoscope of a song that brings an ironic smile. Penned by Taylor with fabled songwriter Pat McLaughlin and rock star Dan Auerbach, Taylor’s sensual, Southern-fried alto is layered with gut-string guitar and atmospheric strings to channel the vibes of Bobbie Gentry into 2020. “Back In The Fire” is true Taylor.
2. Real Me (Taylor, Pat McLaughlin, Dan Auerbach)
When Taylor joined with legendary duo Dan Auerbach and Pat McLaughlin to pen a lyric to her self-awareness, the autobiographical “Real Me” flowed. The last single before the release of her debut album Real Me, the title single is an easy-listening, heartfelt song of trusting love again, knowing she first had to find and love herself. With wistful, yet hopeful, vocals backed by guitars and congas, “Real Me” touches every person’s inner self. It is modern vintage and all Brit Taylor.
3. Wagon (Taylor, Marcus Hummon)
“Wagon” is playfully angsty – a downhome, colorful foot stomp. An anthem to saying goodbye to all that’s wrong and embracing all that’s right, “Wagon” was the empowering “kick in the arse” she needed to cut ties and start over again. Acoustically driven with a back beat, a harmonica with an attitude, and playful steel guitar licks, the song is sure to be a Brit Taylor classic.
4. Waking Up Ain’t Easy (Taylor, Dave Brainard)
“Waking Up Ain’t Easy” was born when dreams died. Taylor’s dream didn’t include divorce, ending a publishing contract, or losing her home. Getting out of bed was hard; depression was new. Putting words to her emotions brought comfort, healing and a song. She learned to be both vulnerable and strong. “Waking Up Ain’t Easy” had success on Spotify’s Indigo and New American playlists, video premiere on DittyTV, critical acclaim from outlets including American Songwriter, Music Row, and Billboard and airplay on Lightning 100.
5. Love Me Back (Taylor, Bobby Wood, Dan Auerbach)
Taylor’s “Love Me Back” is a plaintive plea for acceptance and love after finding her real self. Penned with the legendary Dan Auerbach and Bobby Wood, Taylor’s enticing alto and the Wurli-driven, retro ‘70s sound hint at faux bravery while questioning whether she will be loved in return – the standard human dilemma. “Love Me Back” is a modern tribute to traditional country and sounds that tug at the heart.
6. Broken Heart Breaks (Taylor, Joe Allen, Dan Auerbach)
A waltz to heartbreak that could be a teardrop on Willie Nelson‘s boot, “Broken Heart Breaks” — penned by The Black Keys Dan Auerbach, famed Joe Allen and Taylor — has Grammy-nominated Producer Dave Brainard melding crying steel, Mickey Raphael’s (Willie Nelson and Chris Stapleton) harmonica, and the tear-driven resignation of Taylor’s luscious alto into a song that could easily be the musical love child of Willie and Waylon.
7. Married Again (Taylor, Dave Brainard, Will Hoge)
In the darkest times, humor means survival. “Married Again,” penned by Taylor, Dave Brainard and Will Hoge, sports a full Loretta Lynn-attitude, giving divorcees a light-hearted boost to move on without shame. With a still guitar giving background homage to ‘Here Comes the Bride,” Taylor’s cheery, foot-tapping delivery take a tune that could have been a joke and makes it a fun and honest song. You can boot, scoot and hoot to this honky-tonk classic that is full of sass and kick yer ass.
8. Leave Me Tomorrow (Taylor, Jerry Salley)
“Leave Me Tomorrow,” penned by Taylor with Jerry Salley, is a plea, a prayer and a denial of reality. Leading with a striking bass guitar line and definitive clave percussion, Taylor’s achy lyrics combine with a whimsical string section to take you drifting through the clouds on a magical carpet ride before reality hits. It conjures up Roy Orbison and Linda Ronstadt with a Dwight Oakum twist. It is pure Brit Taylor, touching your heart and invading your soul with a sound you won’t forget.
9. Raggedy Heart (Taylor, Roger Cook, Dan Auerbach)
An ode to a heart tragically breaking again and again, “Raggedy Heart” exposes a sadness that can’t be escaped. Penned by Taylor with Dan Auerbach and Roger Cook, the crying waltz tugs at the heart strings. A bowed upright bass, accordion and mystical banjo contrasting with Taylor’s melancholy alto are like a beloved old dusty music box coming to life. Having two waltzes on her debut album Real Me defied the norm. But the indie artist said, “My album, my rules.” That is classic Brit Taylor.
10. Go Down Swingin’ (Taylor, Jason White)
When Kentucky meets Texas, you get a traditional Western swing song with a uptown country beat. Written by Taylor with Jason White, “Swingin’ ” is foot-tapping, up-tempo dance music that brings a smile. A native of Eastern Kentucky, Taylor knew from the start she would have a Western swing song mentioning her home state on her debut album Real Me. An ode to classic musicality with Lynn Anderson tinges, Taylor puts her signature modern twist on a traditional music style.
