Lucy May
Album: Whirlwind
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.lucymayofficial.com/

Promising and talented UK country/pop artist Lucy May has been gaining worthy attention over the last few years. She has had songs playlisted on BBC Radio 2 with recognition from Bob Harris and Sir Terry Wogan, touring at big events like the annual Country2Country music festival at the O2 in London and supporting artists like Michael Bolton, fellow UK country artists Raintown, Ward Thomas and US duos The Striking Matches and Larkin Poe.

Lucy was born in Sidcup, Kent and brought up in a musical environment of sixties Motown and songs from The Beatles. This debut release follows an earlier EP and her first single Paper Heart, which happens to be included as part of this strong debut eleven track album.

The 'Whirlwind' album has been two and a half years in the making with several trips back and forth to Nashville working with top producer Jeff Cohen, UK producer and songwriter Greg Fitzgerald (Kylie, Jessica Simpson) and budding songwriter Zach Abend.

The title track does exactly what it says on the portrait photography CD sleeve as it speeds through in tremendous pace with big guitars, plenty of attitude and positive up lifting lyrics. There's no stopping the pace on 'We Got It' with Lucy referring to a strong relationship that is forever unbreakable with the track showing the albums' first prominent country sounds.

The first single 'Paper Heart' does slow down the pace a little and this is where the strength of Lucy's vocal shines through. It's no surprise that the single was picked up by radio stations as it has a very quality and contemporary tone. You can easily relate to the emotive lyrics and it has a catchy melody and chorus to boot.

Several of the songs themes encompass typical subjects you would expect to hear from a young female country/pop artist who's every bit as talented as the likes of Taylor Swift or Miranda Lambert. In 'Looking Out A Window' Lucy dreams about who she is likely to meet and where will they go on a date with lyrics "can you sing Rocky Top with a golden voice like Elvis, would your wear blue suede boots to a fancy restaurant".

There's another slower paced song with 'Rosemary Lane' about a partner who has been spotted on the aforementioned street being unfaithful and the heartbreak that this brings. Lucy has a number of different artists providing backing vocals on a lot of the songs but the ones who come to my attention are the Ward Thomas twin sisters from Hampshire. They along with Lucy, The Shires, Raintown and Dexeter are just some of the many very promising country artists coming out of the UK over the last year or so. It is quite evident that they are all good friends mentioning each other in interviews, supporting their fellow artists on tour and teaming up on songs like Ward Thomas have done here on another relationship themed track 'Hooked On Your Love'.

"Keep Your Hands Off My Man" shows Lucy in fine form with memorable and infectious lyrics. This will certainly appeal to anybody who's been for a night out with their partner and received certain looks from others across the room. This song, just like many of the others, is sung in a very convincing way as if the lyrics refer to true past life experiences.

The further into the album you go the songs show a confidence and experience that you would only usually find in an artist who has had several albums under one's belt. 'Don't Wake Me Up' and 'What You Looking At?' have to be the catchiest songs on the album especially the latter which shows Lucy's smooth vocals and is definitely a favourite of mine. There's also a great variety of instruments throughout the album like acoustic and electric guitar, bass, steel guitar, violin and piano. All these add a fantastic sound to the songs and would not be out place in any of the current country or pop charts. The final song 'Hole In My Heart' rounds off a fine debut with clear acoustic guitar, poignant lyrics and an unmistakable country twang feel.

There are big signs here that Lucy May will have plenty more successful songs and albums to come under this winning country/pop moniker. With a fantastic voice, an eye for catchy lyrics with several co-writing mentions, a great working attitude (having had several jobs while making the album) and an infectious desire to succeed. I for one can't wait for Lucy's next release.

Craig Parry