Connie Smith’s career began way back in 1964, when her first hit single, ‘Once A Day’, topped the country charts for eight weeks. Since then she’s released a whopping 53 albums and been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Now she’s back with her brand new album, ‘The Cry of the Heart’, her first new music in a decade and her third album produced by her husband, the equally legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist Marty Stuart.
The 11-track album opens with ‘A Million And One’, which sees Smith singing about her heartbreak over a former lover. Right from the acapella intro, you can feel the power and richness in her voice, enhanced by the stripped-back arrangement and lonesome guitar. There’s a beautiful smoothness about her vocal tone on the song, as well as some big notes towards the end, and she pours a huge amount of yearning and emotion into her delivery. It has a great timeless feel about it and sets the template for the rest of the record.
Throughout the album there’s a frequent switching back and forth between uptempo numbers and softer, more downbeat songs. Among the more upbeat tracks are the lively, swinging Look Out Heart, a cautionary tale packed with knowing and desire, and To Pieces with its Patsy Cline-esque title and clever writing that captures the feeling of seeing an old flame and the sense of confusion that often goes with it. Elsewhere, the stark, introspective I Just Don’t Believe Me Anymore pairs melancholy lyrics with twinkling piano, whilst Three Sides combines a driving, singalong rhythm with classic country references and themes of perseverance and compromise (as well as a belting yet restrained vocal from Smith) and I’m Not Over You shows a great contrast between its honky-tonk melody and vivid, bittersweet imagery that really brings the whole song to life.
The highlight of the upbeat songs is Here Comes My Baby Back Again. It starts with a drum roll before the punchy melody kicks in, with layered strings adding a lush, cinematic quality. Smith draws on the themes of the early part of the record of old lovers coming back into one’s life, but this time there’s a real sense of joy and relief rather than the previous trepidation. The touch of drawl in her powerful vocals and drawn-out notes add to the sense of defiance and swagger in the song too.
However, for me the slower numbers are where Smith’s vocals really shine. Spare Me No Truth is an early standout, with its melancholy feel and haunting harmonies. You feel every bit of the anguish in Smith’s voice as she sings, offset perfectly by the simple piano-led melody. It’s a song packed full of emotion and really brings home what an outstanding interpreter of songs she is. Meanwhile, the dreamlike All The Time puts me in mind of classic ABBA songs and highlights the warmth in Smith’s tone as she sings about staying loyal in a long-term relationship, and Heart, We Did All That We Could has a 1960s vibe which sees Smith mixing wistfulness and frustration over a lover who leaves yet again. She really pours her emotion into the song and it comes through incredibly strongly.
The album closes with the spiritual, twangy ‘Jesus, Take A Hold’. When I spoke to Connie recently she mentioned that her next project will be a gospel record, and this very much feels like a precursor to that. Lyrically taking in a wide span of social issues, including references to gun crime and protests, it has a sense of darkness and atmosphere, particularly enhanced by the wind effects towards the end which add to the ominous feel. It’s a haunting song that very much stays with you after the record ends and offers a glimpse of what might be in store for Smith’s future releases.
Overall ‘The Cry Of The Heart’ has a timeless feel, with Smith showing she can turn her hand to more melodically upbeat tracks as well as ballads, whilst brilliantly conveying the emotional rollercoaster of returning lovers and reigniting old flames, despite knowing full well that it’ll bring heartache. It’s a fantastic showcase for one of the greatest stars of the classic country era and shows that she’s still capable of holding her own vocally. If you’re looking for an introduction to her music, this would be a very good place to start.
Track listing: 1. A Million And One 2. Look Out Heart 3. Spare Me No Truth 4. To Pieces 5. All The Time 6. I Just Don’t Believe Me Anymore 7. Three Sides 8. I’m Not Over You 9. Here Comes My Baby Back Again 10. Heart, We Did All That We Could 11. Jesus, Take A Hold Record label: Fat Possum Records Release date: 20th August 2021
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