Album Review: Susan Cowsill "Lighthouse"
Susan Cowsill has one of the most wonderfully unique female voices in music today. Thankfully, she decided to record a follow-up to her 2005 solo debut ("Just Believe It") with the new album "Lighthouse" on Threadhead Records.
Of course, Susan Cowsill is best known for her work with The Cowsills. But "Lighthouse" shows Susan Cowsill as a multi-dimensional solo artist with diverse musical influences. The album begins with the hummable "Dragon Flys." Cowsill's vocals have never sounded better.
"Avenue Of The Indians" is a reimagining of traditional cowboy country songs that hits on all cylinders. "You And Me Baby" is another track that can be embraced by country audiences. It's a tender love song that exudes emotion. Next, the album's beat picks up with the contemporary "River Of Love."
"Sweet Bitter End" offers a beautiful, bluesy vocal performance with uplifting lyrics. The song highlights the survivor mentality of Cowsill after she encountered the horrors of being displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the deaths of her brothers Billy and Barry. She also addresses the tragedy of Katrina with great effect on "ONOLA."
However, "Lighthouse" really hits its stride with the quiet title track. The lyrics of "Lighthouse" pierce the heart, and the ethereal instrumentation is perfect. If you close your eyes while listening to "Lighthouse," you can feel the penetrating emotion pouring through Susan Cowsill's veins. This is an intimate musical treasure.
"Galveston" offers a new side of Susan Cowsill that can best be described as a blend of the finest music of Amy Grant and Shaun Colvin. "The Way That At Goes" and "Could This Be Home" have much of the same charm.
"Real Life" is the most commercially relevant track on the album. It has a cool vibe that is immensely popular on radio today that program managers should warmly embrace. "Real Life" deserves a wide audience and will win Susan Cowsill new fans. It has an uplifting quality that lifts the listener and builds to a rousing chorus. The final track "Crescent City Sneaux" is the album's biggest surprise. It is a reflective, quietly confident gem that ends with a bold and energetic singalong.
Susan Cowsill has created an understated musical masterpiece with her heartfelt album "Lighthouse." When taken as a whole, it's almost as if Cowsill penned a series of twelve private and confidential letters - meant only for you. This is a "Lighthouse" meant for one, and it's a beautiful place to be. CountryChart.com
"Avenue Of The Indians" is a reimagining of traditional cowboy country songs that hits on all cylinders. "You And Me Baby" is another track that can be embraced by country audiences. It's a tender love song that exudes emotion. Next, the album's beat picks up with the contemporary "River Of Love."
"Sweet Bitter End" offers a beautiful, bluesy vocal performance with uplifting lyrics. The song highlights the survivor mentality of Cowsill after she encountered the horrors of being displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the deaths of her brothers Billy and Barry. She also addresses the tragedy of Katrina with great effect on "ONOLA."
However, "Lighthouse" really hits its stride with the quiet title track. The lyrics of "Lighthouse" pierce the heart, and the ethereal instrumentation is perfect. If you close your eyes while listening to "Lighthouse," you can feel the penetrating emotion pouring through Susan Cowsill's veins. This is an intimate musical treasure.
"Galveston" offers a new side of Susan Cowsill that can best be described as a blend of the finest music of Amy Grant and Shaun Colvin. "The Way That At Goes" and "Could This Be Home" have much of the same charm.
"Real Life" is the most commercially relevant track on the album. It has a cool vibe that is immensely popular on radio today that program managers should warmly embrace. "Real Life" deserves a wide audience and will win Susan Cowsill new fans. It has an uplifting quality that lifts the listener and builds to a rousing chorus. The final track "Crescent City Sneaux" is the album's biggest surprise. It is a reflective, quietly confident gem that ends with a bold and energetic singalong.
Susan Cowsill has created an understated musical masterpiece with her heartfelt album "Lighthouse." When taken as a whole, it's almost as if Cowsill penned a series of twelve private and confidential letters - meant only for you. This is a "Lighthouse" meant for one, and it's a beautiful place to be. CountryChart.com