"Stop the bus and turn the radio up high and grab the first guitar you see."
She’s a little bit country, a little bit rock & roll & with a little help from her friends The Nocturnals, Grace Potter is showing the world what hardcore devotees of the chronically touring jam band have known for years - they are somebody and they’re going places with This Is Somewhere. With coveted appearances on Grey’s Anatomy and with blog and print buzz abounding, this could well prove to be the greatest year in the group’s history.
With a sound and feel that’s often reminiscent of the 70’s rock royalty Grace was raised on, the band’s Hollywood Records debut has something for everyone and is sure to satisfy fans both old and new. Following in the footsteps of so many of their contemporaries, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals kick off the album on a political note taking aim at their homeland, the embattled United States of America, with the subtle yet biting "Ah Mary". Stellar in both its lyrical content and driving rock rhythm, the song is a great opener and beautifully sets the tone for the tracks that follow; all of which shine in their own ways. Drawing from obvious personal experiences both off & on the road, this is a very inspired album - probably their most honest & true effort to date.
It’s easy for most to assume that since a woman leading the charge emotionality would reign supreme and that’s not an unfair assessment. Love tinged tunes like Grey’s baby "Falling or Flying", "You May See Me" & "Lose Some Time" are all examples of a heavy female influence. The imagery displayed on "Apologies" is stunning- the pain is palpable. Although emotionally weighted, it’s on these tracks we begin to see the softer side of the hard rockin’ Ms. Potter. But don’t for a moment think she’s lost her edge because like another Grace before her, Grace Slick, Potter proves time and again on this effort that she’s got the chops, looks, guts, talent and drive to hold it down and share her particular blend of blues rock for decades to come.
This Is Somewhere closes with the stand out redemption song "Big White Gate" on which Potter pleadingly belts:
"No I ain’t no holy roller but you go tell your King that all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing."
And after hearing the phenomenal voice of this weathered and worn angel, how could anyone deny her request for admittance?
I couldn’t and these are the tunes I can’t refuse.
As always you can find Grace & Co. on the road through the end of the year and you can pick up your own copy of the album that's sure to appear on my most played of ’07 list at a record retailer near you.
And because I was overjoyed to see her on Leno and this is a fantastic performance:
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