Print Edition: October 29, 2014
Florida Georgia Line
Anything Goes
Florida Georgia Line broke out with the release of their debut album, Here’s to the Good Times. It was difficult to not go a few hours without listening to them on country radio; their singles “Cruise” and “Stay” were everywhere. When FGL released “Dirt” prior to their follow-up album, I was excited because it showed more emotion. Upon listening to Anything Goes, however, there was a slight disappointment — Florida Georgia Line follows the same formula as their first release. They show minimal growth. With a few exceptions like “Dirt,” it is “bro-country.” Yet FGL manages to make it work. “Sun Daze” has a laid-back, country-reggae vibe. The track does not necessarily fit the FGL formula nor the season, but it is definitely the stand-out track alongside “Dirt.” If you didn’t enjoy their first album, don’t go out of your way to listen to it; however, Anything Goes will satisfy fans.
REMINGTON FIORASO
Victoria Duffield
Accelerate
I initially heard Abbotsford’s Victoria Duffield on season three of YTV’s The Next Star. Since her appearance on the show, she has released her debut album and toured with the likes of Faber Drive and the Backstreet Boys. The pop singer released her sophomore album, Accelerate, in June 2014. The 11-track record includes singles “More Than Friends” and “Paper Planes.” For the release, she again places an emphasis on dance songs. Falling subject to the typical pop song, some tracks like “That Somethin’” and “Holographic” feel familiar. The tracks “Sawdust” and “Bulletproof” are pleasant additions to Accelerate. Rather than being upbeat, the tempo is slowed down to allow Duffield to truly show off her vocal chops. As a whole, Accelerate falls short in comparison to her debut album. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the catchy and danceable tracks.
REMINGTON FIORASO
Hozier
Hozier
With just a year under his belt of being a solo artist, Hozier’s self-titled album hit charts all over the world, including hitting number two in Canada and the US Billboard 200. What you’ll find on Hozier is a goldmine of raw twang and blues straight from the heart (along with a few violins and cellos) that will get you swaying your head, tapping your feet, and buying tickets to his concerts. From lighthearted tunes like “Someone New” to the doomsday blues of “It Will Come Back,” he’s got you covered when it comes to moods in need of acoustic guitars and a loud voice. “In a Week” takes you to grassy knolls and roving hills, while “To Be Alone” contains a delta-blues tone that hasn’t been heard quite some time. All in all, Hozier delivers the goods with Hozier and leaves us asking two questions: Where have you been hiding all these years? And when does the next album come out?
ALEX JESUS
