THE DEAL: Jessica Lea Mayfield releases her sophomore album, once again with production by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
THE GOOD: There’s nothing wrong with getting help from your friends and family when that includes the addition of Auerbach on a few tracks, and the guitar work of her brother, David Mayfield, as well. Mayfield hasn’t lost the solemn heartbroken aura of her debut, but there are moments of brief happiness here. “I’ll Be the One You Want Someday” starts the album off on a somber note, but the music perks up on “Blue Skies Again.” Though only 21, her lyrics are beyond her years when it comes to matters of the heart. It’s a more mature Mayfield that takes flight on this album. I only wonder how more musical depth on the album will translate over to her live shows.
THE BAD: “I’ll Be The One You Want Someday” feels like a leftover track from her debut, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt. The rest have rhythms or tinges of something different that set them apart — the toned-down electric fury of the guitar solo on “Somewhere In Your Heart,” for example.
THE VERDICT: Mayfield’s soft voice draws the listener close, only to often hear lyrics tinged with the poison of heartbreak. It’s a strong, but enjoyable, potion that leaves you longing for more.
This article appears in Mar 8-14, 2011.
very interesting read