Sharing memories of 2016 is the social media trend of the moment and ‘Honest Life’ by Courtney Marie Andrews was one of the albums released towards the end of that year which inspired me to start this blog.
Ten years later she’s still going strong having been one of the most prolific artists I’ve covered on the blog. Between 2016 and 2022 she also released May Your Kindness Remain – a stunning Americana epic, Old Flowers a quieter and darker pandemic era offering and Loose Future a lighter, breezier collection.
In the four years since that album she’s been busy with painting as well as releasing her second poetry collection ‘Love is a Dog That Bites When It’s Scared’.
This new album ‘Valentine’ was self-funded, recorded with only two other musicians – her producer Jerry Bernhardt and drummer Chris Bear. While it doesn’t return to the country-tinged sound of her earlier records, it does offer us a deeply emotional and impressive sounding collection of songs.
Beginning on piano before leaping off into the upper reaches of her voice, Pendulum Swing is a dramatic epic where she sings of escaping from her past and accepting the way life changes. On ‘Keeper’ she’s navigating a complex relationship, tentatively hoping her lover feels the same way.
That empathy for others is clear on the lovely ‘Cons and Clowns’, where she offers unconditional support and kindness to others (and herself perhaps). The way she repeats ‘not me/no way’ is perfect.
‘Magic Touch’ has a sweetness to it, despite the description of a place smelling of ‘piss and beer’ she’s with someone who brings the joy.
The stand out track is ‘Little Picture of a Butterfly’ – a breakup song or maybe it’s more accurate to call it a wake up song where she accepts the reality of her relationship. At the end all she has is a small trinket and some inspiration for this little masterpiece.
The second half of the album begins with the interesting ‘Outsider’ which sets her up as an introvert against her scene, and maybe the music industry itself. She concludes that being on the inside means the ‘risk is too big’ for exposure, hurt, suffering, rejection. Call this one a statement of intent, signalling her way forward.
Her voice sounds more poppy and polished on the mocking ‘Everyone Wants to Feel Like You Do’ and the resigned ‘Only the Best for Baby’.
The last two songs are ‘Best Friend’ a quiet wish for connection with someone who understands you, and ‘Hangman’ where she declares her love to another and asks them for the truth about their relationship to be spelled out. Both are vulnerable, beautifully sung and quietly devastating.
‘Valentine’ is another outstanding record from Courtney – a songwriter who just has that magic touch.
BUY: https://courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/valentine
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Highway Queens 
CMA has a wonderful voice, has written some gorgeous songs and ‘Honest Life’ is as a gem but this latest is a struggle.
It is over-embellished in parts, needlessly: too much mellotron smothering the songs. ‘Magic Touch’ has a lovely, familiar country-ish opening then a mass production job kicks in.
‘Cons and Clowns’ deserves praise as do songs towards the end but ‘Keeper’ is just not for me.
Really, really wanted to like this more.
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That’s a shame! I’m really enjoying it but I do take your point about how different the production is. There’s not much out in January so it’s been a constant for me this week. Hopefully she’ll have something you like better in the future!
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Great review, for me personally Honest Life is my least favourite of Courtney’s album, although i still enjoy it. I love the new album, and unlike the other commenter I love the synths and the production, I love the whole sound from beginning to end.
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Great to hear you’re enjoying the album! 😃 xx
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