Texan powerhouse Aaron Watson’s latest offering, ‘Cover Girl’, is a captivating homage to the influential female voices that have shaped his musical journey. The album, a tapestry of covers featuring both Watson and rising female artists, is a delightful fusion of Texan charm and authentic country renditions.
The album kicks off with ‘Seven Year Ache’ featuring Jenna Paulette, a Texan-infused Countrypolitan cover of Roseanne Cash’s classic. The collaboration excels over chugging guitars and a catchy chorus, exploring the complexities of relationships with some finesse. Elsewhere that retro 70s and 80s feel is lovingly homaged by Watson whilst he also infuses each track with a hefty spoonful of Texan guitar and fiddle. ‘Back on the Chain Gang’ featuring Twinnie takes on The Pretenders’ hit, infusing it with acoustic guitars and plaintive steel. Twinnie’s vocals, coupled with the Texan vibe, create an authentic cover of this 1982 Indie Pop gem whilst Dolly Parton’s timeless classic ‘9 to 5’ gets a Texan treatment in Watson’s rendition featuring Kylie Frey. The song retains its signature energy, with Texan guitars and honky-tonk pianos adding an Aaron Watson touch to this iconic anthem.
‘Million Reasons’ featuring Morgan Myles breathes new life into Lady Gaga’s ballad, showcasing Myles’ vocal prowess alongside Watson. Their voices meld seamlessly, especially on the powerful choruses, demonstrating Myles’ ability to hit all the high notes effortlessly and ‘Can’t Cry Anymore’ featuring Bri Bagwell pays homage to Sheryl Crow’s funky vibes. Bagwell and Watson’s harmonious vocals, paired with funky guitars and honky-tonk elements, add depth to the track, enhancing its western feel. ‘Think Tuesday Night Music Club’, Houston Rodeo style!
Perhaps where ‘Cover Girl’ is at its best is when Watson tackles iconic ‘story’ songs. In ‘Love at the Five and Dime’, featuring Jamie Lin Wilson, Watson narrates a poignant tale originally recorded by Nanci Griffith. The song weaves a classic love story with wistful fiddles and steel guitar, creating a heartfelt atmosphere that will resonate just as much with listeners in 2023 as it did 40+ years ago. Similarly, ‘Two More Bottles of Wine’ featuring Alyssa Micaela stands out as another highlight on the album. The song’s rollicking pace, honky-tonk pianos, and the synergy between the singers creates an energetic, fun, and memorable rendition of Emmylou Harris’ 1978 hit that breathes vibrancy and life into a song that still packs an emotional punch nowadays.
Elsewhere, ‘All Through the Night’ featuring Leigh Nash breathes Texan life into Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 ballad. Nash’s distinctive vocals complement Watson’s, creating a tender acoustic rendition with a Texan twist. ‘You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma’ featuring Kimberly Kelly preserves the traditional country essence of the original. While the cover doesn’t deviate significantly, the sincere vocals and instrumental arrangement maintain the song’s emotional depth whilst ‘Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)’ featuring Courtney Patton encapsulates the essence of classic country. The singers’ voices blend seamlessly against a backdrop of emotive fiddles, evoking nostalgia and tugging at the heartstrings.
The album concludes on a heartwarming note with ‘Never Grow Up’ featuring Aaron Watson’s daughter, Jolee Kate Watson. Their cover of Taylor Swift’s heartfelt song exudes simplicity and genuine emotion, enhanced by Texan instrumentation and Jolee Kate’s backing vocals.
In ‘Cover Girl’, Aaron Watson not only pays tribute to iconic female artists but also showcases the talent of rising female voices in the country music scene. Each track is a testament to Watson’s artistry and his ability to infuse his Texan roots into diverse musical genres, resulting in an album that is both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. ‘Cover Girl’ is a delightful musical journey, inviting listeners to appreciate the timelessness of these classic songs while embracing the unique Texan spirit that Watson brings to each cover.
Track List: 1. Seven Year Ache 2. Million Reasons 3. Back on the Chain Gang 4. Love at the Five and Dime 6. Can’t Cry Anymore 7. All Through the Night 8. 9 to 5 9. You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma 10. Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days) 11. Two More Bottles of Wine 12. Never Grow Up Release Date: 27th October Record Label: Self Produced Buy ‘Cover Girl’ right here
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