Review
Nicole Atkins' album "Goodnight Rhonda Lee" is a delightful journey through timeless musical landscapes, released on July 21, 2017. This album really reflects a significant evolution in Atkins' sound, blending elements of pop-rock, R&B, and country in a beautifully cohesive way. It's been recorded live to tape over just five days, which gives it a wonderfully rich and organic feel, making Atkins' already compelling vocal performance even more powerful and emotive. Starting strong with "A Little Crazy," the album introduces us to its dramatic, soulful vibe right off the bat.
Listening to "Goodnight Rhonda Lee" feels like unwrapping a piece of classic, soulful nostalgia, yet there's something so fresh and contemporary about it, especially in how Atkins uses her distinctive, torchy voice. Tracks like "Sleepwalking" are lush with strings and piano, supporting her vocals to create dreamy yet resonant choruses that just linger in your mind. Lyrically, the album is refreshingly straightforward and confessional, making it even more personal and relatable. It's a sonic exploration that showcases not just Atkins' versatility in merging genres but also her knack for crafting songs that feel both timeless and immediate. This album successfully solidifies Nicole Atkins as an artist who genuinely understands and respects musical heritage while making it vibrantly her own. - Ava