A rare dip here into the world of pop country that admittedly operates in a different stratosphere than in the early years of the new millennium where the sounds of that strand were more to the core of a listening landscape. Through the duration of her eleven-track strong new album, Olivia Lane controls the zone well to deliver a record right on the mark of intent. HEART CHANGE sees this Houston native based in Nashville since 2013 hone her writing skills with a wide bunch of contemporaries to channel personal changes that reflect in the title. Though the vocals serenely permeate the album's air space in all forms, they prosper more in the tempered moments where the band plays a subtler role. 'Woman in the Well' is the best example of this closely followed by closer 'Break' and revealing number 'I Let the Devil In'.
The standout moment from an album that coasts along in an unashamed bout of modernity framing a sound primed for a prescribed market comes early doors in the opening track 'Same Old Story'. The structure and ease to which the song glides from story conveyor to open ears plants a desire to hang in to see if this formula can be replicated. Over a thirty five minute timescale you never lose sight of where the artist wants to take you and you feel every bit of glowing emotion emanating from the penultimate track 'Lois Lane'.
In a complex world of music from seemingly compatible sources expressing a wide range of moods and features, there is a slot for artists like Olivia Lane to pitch their worth. HEART CHANGE makes a valiant effort with its bright and breezy outlook even when themes may be deemed worthy of a different feel. On one hand the album displays a freedom to wander in any direction, yet on the other you know it is being marshalled for maximum effect. There is a bout of positivity ensuring any time found to return to listen again will enrich and re-energise a music listening journey.
