Folk-leaning singer-songwriter, Mindy Smith strikes out on her own for her fifth studio album, ditching Vanguard Records in favor of self-releasing her latest. The album is largely a return to the faith-centric songwriting and gorgeous stripped-down approach that made her debut, One Moment More, work so well. The tranquil flutter of acoustic guitar and lap steel that makes up "Take Me Back" works well with Smith's silky, easy-going vocals. The back-porch blues of "Don't Mind Me" finds Smith's voice a bit too sweet to pull off the alcohol fueled anger the lyrics demand, though the rest of the effort plays to her strengths better. The album's stand-out is easily the romantic "Pretending The Stars", elevated by a fantastic harmonized melody looking to break away with her lover and the sugary twang of the band. The lightly shuffling "Everything Will Be Fine" is a heart wrenching lullaby to a loved one holding on to life in their last moments, while the speckled twang rolling through "Closer" has Smith finding a better understanding of God. The murkier country rock tilt of "Sober" keeps the album from becoming a wholly holy effort, which turns out to be a good thing with the saccharine "Devils Inside" becoming almost preachy. On her fifth outing, Mindy Smith offers a balanced look at her charming, country-rich sound.
Seek - "Pretending The Stars", "Take Me Back", "Sober"
For fans of - Kathleen Edwards
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