Sydney Adams: ‘Always Home To Me’ EP Review

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Women of country music have been putting out stellar songs since the dawn of the genre and they are the ones that have kept a traditional country sound in the mainstream while their counterparts have mostly gone to a more pop/hip hop approach to gain more radio play. Much like Miranda and Kacey, Sydney Adams knows how to write down home country music that is radio ready, but doesn’t sacrifice the elements of country music that we all know and love. The album was recorded at Gem City Studios in Jellico, TN, just across the border from Kentucky. Matt McQueen produced and engineered the album, while studio musician and bandmate Dustin Lambdin provided co-writing on a couple of the songs, which were all written by Sydney herself.

The EP kicks off with ‘Half Empty’ a true blue country song like your mama and daddy grew up listening to. Drinking songs about lovers lost are common ground in country music, but when done right they are some of the more powerful numbers. This one is done exceptionally well and shows a mature 22 year old‘s knack for writing those “barstool and a jukebox” songs.

‘Always Home To Me’, possibly my favorite track, is an ode to the beauty of her Eastern Kentucky home, no matter how far away she may be at any given moment. It sounds to me like a 2019 version of a song you would hear Loretta Lynn or Dolly Parton sing about their respective mountain homes, with a compelling mix of bluegrass and country. For all the troubles that Eastern Kentucky has seen, it is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and holds a special place in Sydney’s heart.

‘Long Way to Memphis’ is a beautiful and heartfelt song that will have you singing along to the chorus by its conclusion. A classic country song, with an abundance of steel guitar that helps bring out amazing tones in her voice.

‘I Don’t Care’ will draw comparisons to Kacey Musgraves’ radio singles, pre Golden Hour, and that’s a good thing. It has a fun beat with sassy lyrics from a strong woman. This will be one you’ll put on when you didn’t have the best day and need to remind yourself that everyone’s opinion doesn’t need matter to you.

The final cut on the album is a song to a lover who can’t buy into their relationship, because he’s hung up on a past love. Another notch on the belt of this young, but fantastic songwriter. The ability to pour herself out onto a piece of paper or insert herself into someone else’s shoes is going to be what carries Sydney into the next phase of her musical career.

This debut EP will have you singing along, reminiscing on good and bad times, and maybe feeling a little more confident and ready to conquer the day ahead of you. Eastern Kentucky has no shortage of amazing musicians and Sydney Adams needs to be added to the growing list. A young, strong, and talented woman who loves traditional country and bluegrass music and knows how write a catchy, but genuine, song. The album drops at midnight tonight, July 12th, on all streaming platforms. Make sure to go support authentic country music from the Bluegrass State.

sydneyadamsmusic.com

gemcitystudios.com