Song Review:

Lily Dale

Overall Impression:

Aptly mirroring the heartbroken sentiments of the song's lyrics, Nolan Bruce Allen's warm vocal style draws listeners into "Lily Dale" with rich resonance and a tangible sense of longing.  Taking sentimental tempo and a soft dynamic approach, "Lily Dale" still displays the strength of sound and depth of talent at work in the group through emotionally engaging deliveries and delightfully melancholic instrumental inflections!

Strongest Point(s):

As always, NBA's quasi-crooning voice suits the style brilliantly, and immediately brings listeners into the experience on an emotional level!  Likewise, the initial steel guitar and lilting piano work brilliantly communicate the song's lyrical intent while retaining all of the characteristic brightness and bounce of the genre - allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the experience without taking on too dark a shade of blue.  A chorus of clarinet and fiddle bring around the bridge of the tune with blissful harmonic texture and a truly sublime performative delivery.  Lovely guitar tone as well!

Target Audience Appeal:

Those that enjoy those brokenhearted cowboy ballads of old will be able to appreciate the underlying feel and flow of "Lily Dale" - though the Jazz-centric instrumental energies and heartfelt vocal executions of Nolan Bruce Allen and his allies promise to captivate listeners of any kind! - Jon W.

Artist target suggestions:

Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Billy Jack Wills & His Western Swing Band, Red Foley, Porky Freeman Trio, Jimmy Revard & His Oklahoma Playboys, Washboard Wonders, Jimmie Ballard, Homer Zeke Clemons, Spade Cooley & The Western Swing Dance Gang, The Sunshine Boys, Hank Penny and His Radio Cowboys

About The Reviewer:

Jon Wright is a trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists across a wide range of genres.

 

Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength.