Album Review: Brit Taylor  – Land of the Forgotten 

Brit Taylor was inspired by listening to the great women of country music for this new album, specifically Patty Loveless and Lee Ann Womack. What she also noticed was how both artists had enlisted their husbands as producers, and so she continued that trend by working with her husband Adam Chaffins. Her last album ‘Kentucky Blue’ was produced by Sturgill Simpson, so he had big boots to fill. The result of their collaboration ‘Land of the Forgotten’ is a hugely enjoyable album of terrific, toe-tapping country tunes. 

The album opens with an a rousing choir singing ‘I ain’t gonna be broke no more’, which is part prayer, part manifestation incantation. Brit then begins singing her dreams of being ‘Broke No More’, with a sweet classic country inspired musical sound. You can hear her singing this on a porch somewhere or in a beat up car driving down a country lane. The song represents the poor, the working class, the dreamers and that theme weaves throughout the album. 

There’s a lot of Pistol Annies in ‘All For Sale’ (always a good thing) and the fun humour adds something special to this song about casting off your past and setting yourself free. 

In the vein of Loretta Lynn ‘Warning You Whisky’ takes on the drinking problem of her husband by putting the blame squarely on the bottle. This one sounds like a perfect country hit to me, with its strong hook and sweep of fiddle putting it in nicely in the middle of the recent traditional country trend. 

Her last album explored where she came from and ‘Land of the Forgotten’ is another ode to Appalachia, and a beautiful tribute to those ghosts and valleys she wants to remember. 

The humour of ‘Lately I’ve Been Thinking’ and ‘Last Leaf’ contrasts well with the more serious side of her songwriting. The 90s country influence works nicely to showcase her twangy voice.  There’s some classic country slow waltzes on this album too with ‘Queen of Fools’ and ‘Bars Closing’. 

Interesting then that the album ends with a more eerie, evocative song called ‘Bird of Prey’ which is an ode to the owl on the cover of the album. The message of the song is ‘I once was afraid but not anymore’ and that feels like a good way to sum up the message of the album. 

The classic, bluegrass country sound of Brit’s previous work has been given a new shine on ‘Land of the Forgotten’. What really makes this album stand out is the strength of the songwriting and the confidence in her voice and attitude. Don’t forget about this one. 

BUY: https://www.brittaylormusic.com/store

Interview: https://people.com/brit-taylor-filming-warning-you-whiskey-video-while-pregnant-exclusive-11921436