The Stand-In has everything that made its predecessor special – big voice, expertly crafted tunes, clever backings, a deft mix of stridency and restraint – but is definitely a step up.
Mostly, it's the wilting pedal steel, warm analog tubes, and lush heartbreak flourishes of "When I'm Gone" that distinguish Rose from the merchants of new country's jingles.
Where the record excels is in the tracks that incorporate sounds from other genres, crafting crossover gems that truly stand out.
With an album as consistently strong as The Stand-In at this early stage, she has an impressive career ahead.
Now a grand old dame of 25, she’s put some meat on her musical bones, cranking up a Stonesy riff on ‘No One To Call’ and test-driving a vampy demeanour on ‘When I’m Gone’, all of it sugared sweet as a nut by her silky voice.
Those who were endeared by Rose’s debut may be surprised, hopefully pleasantly, by the change in tone and attitude shown on The Stand-In.
It’s an easy listen with difficult layers, and if Rose quickly secured her status as a top young voice in country music a few years ago, she’s now cemented her position as an important one.
This is a record from an artist with increasing maturity, wisdom and talent, and doubtless a hangover to match.
What's most impressive, though, is the lightness of touch with which she tackles the material here
Rose channels a vintage vibe without being a total throwback record. She has a tone that melds well with silky background vocals and just enough pedal steel.
Rose's imperviousness to the whims of modern production and concerns is admirable in a way, though she's undoubtedly got the chops to shed the stylistic crutch if she wanted to.
Lovely, emotive vocals and rock solid songwriting combined with vintage country arrangements meant to evoke an older time period, every so often belying songs that are more or less pop songs. In a few instances this contrast can detract a bit from the overall effect, and the moments where she really commits to a classic sound lead to the best songs on here. Generally a gorgeous listen regardless.
As alternative as it should, this girl steps in the tradition and demands to leave her mark.
Well done.
#12 | / | Rough Trade |
#21 | / | FasterLouder |
#25 | / | Spin |
#25 | / | Uncut |
#34 | / | American Songwriter |
#36 | / | The Line of Best Fit |
#41 | / | musicOMH |
#52 | / | PopMatters |
#104 | / | Under the Radar |