Emily Love: Heart Of A Fool Album Review
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
I just experienced the most incredible honky tonk tonight, and I must say it was a mesmerizing journey. The atmosphere was alive with twangy music that echoed through the air, inviting everyone to lose themselves in the rhythm. Alongside the captivating melodies, the venue offered an array of cheap American beer, enhancing the rustic charm. The smoky dance floor became a sanctum of joyous energy, where people moved in unison, swept away by the music.
What makes this experience particularly captivating is that I was able to enjoy it all without stepping out of my own home. A heartfelt thank you to Emily Love for crafting this enchanting musical landscape that transported me to a place far away, a place filled with memories and moments that feel both nostalgic and new. The incredible music that she and her talented band, The Highliners, have created is a remarkable tribute to the genre, blending sincerity and artistry in every note.
The best part is that I can revisit this honky tonk every single time I listen to “Heart Of A Fool.” It has become a cheap transportation alternative in today’s world, especially now that gasoline prices have soared above four dollars per gallon. With nothing lost in the essence of enjoyment, I find solace in the fact that I can relive this experience over and over, diving into an absolutely incredible collection of country music that is on it’s way to become a classic.
Every song on this album is written by Emily Love Platt, showcasing her incredible talent; except Rambunctious Boy which was penned by John Fogerty. The brilliance of The Highliners cannot be understated. Cory Mack on drums sets a solid foundation, while Ryan McAlpin provides depth with bass and backup vocals. Cody Vonier’s masterful playing on the telecaster guitar adds the quintessential honky tonk sound that is like seeing a long lost friend. Emily Love herself shines with her guitar skills and powerful vocals, captivating everyone who tunes in.
Special guests enhance the richness of the experience as well. Paul Brainard’s pedal steel brings warmth and emotion on Two Steps Back, Heart Of A Fool, Full Time, Rambunctious Boy, Boots In My Closet, Auburn Hair, and Rhinestone Waltz (Toyota Waltz), while Matt Peluso contributes his pedal steel magic on Dance A Little Closer and On Like Neon. The one track that doesn’t have any steel on it, Bad Girl, more than compensates with Kate O’Brien’s fiddle playing, still keeping that authenticity alive and well.
The journey through this collection is more than just an auditory experience; it captures the heart and soul of what makes classic country the greatest music in the whole wide world. Each note resonates with a deep-rooted authenticity, telling the stories of earning a living, heartbreak, love, and the struggles of everyday life that mirror our own. Every song offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of emotions that define the human experience. The words and melodies invite you to connect with the universal themes that are timeless and hallmarks of any great country record.
Listen and buy Heart Of A Fool here