While certain contemporary artists bring pop and R&B influences to country, others do so with rock & roll. Just listen to Better Days, the exciting opening track from The Long Way, the debut album from Ontario-based outlaw country band Nicolette & The Nobodies, and you’ll understand what I prefer. It took ten years to perfect the nine songs here, but it pays off in a timeless country record that alternates energetic rockers and heartfelt ballads. Musically it’s all more than fine, but it’s especially the amazing voice and personal lyrics of Vietnamese-Canadian frontwoman Nicolette Hoang that enchant the entire 40 minutes. The final chord is almost gospel: “For old times’ sake // Let’s take the long long way.”
The Long Way, produced by Aaron Goldstein, is out now digitally and on vinyl LP through ArtHaus Music. Featuring Nicolette Hoang (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano), Ian Bain (guitars), Emma Howarth-Withers (bass), Daniel Paillé (drums), Carleigh Aikins (backing vocals), Aaron Goldstein (pedal steel), Thomas Hammerton (keys), Raha Javanfar (violin), and Paul Weber (vocals on Losing More).
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp