CD REVIEW: BETH HART – Better Than Home

Label: Mascot Label Group

Release Date: April 14, 2015, 2015

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

I have enjoyed Beth Hart’s music from the moment I first heard her, prompting me to run out and purchase the discs she had available at the time.  After shifting gears, her music has taken on a bit more bluesy feel, but that voice still draws you in.  “Might As Well Smile” opens the disc with a cool groove that prepares you for what you are about to experience.  Beth’s vocals come across and help transport you into her head and heart, while the background vocals and musical accompaniment wrap themselves beautifully around her.  “Tell ‘Em To Hold On” takes a bit mellower approach than the previous track, but not to the detriment of the disc.  The smoky lyrics match the ethereal feel of the piano during the verse and the song slowly build from there.  “Trouble” comes off more like some of Hart’s early rockers, but there are blues veins in this track that keep the heart and soul of the song moving in the same direction as the other tunes, especially when the lead vocals smolder over the bridge.  “St. Teresa” keeps a lighter approach to offset the heavier lyrical content of the song.  This track gives Hart room to show off a softer and more personal side.  “The Mood That I’m In” brings a funkier feel and groove to the disc than most of the other tracks.  This side of Hart and her band shine and give the disc a feel good song that gets the foot tapping.  “As Long As I Have A Song” helps being this disc to a close with a mellow approach and feel.  The song’s lyrics are the real star on this track.

“Tell Her You Belong To Me” features the familiar Hart voice layered with bluesy guitars and a melancholy musical accompaniment that gives Beth room to run with her vocal parts, giving this song depth.  Title track “Better Than Home” is a mellow track that leans into blues territory while keeping a pop sensibility, adding texture to the collection with the songs diverse sound and feel.  Beth’s vocals carry the song, especially when layered with the acoustic guitars and background vocals.  “We’re Still Living In The City” opens with a great piano interlude that matches the vocals perfectly in creating the mood behind the lyrics and the songs basic structure.  The vocals dig deep and reflect the personal nature of the song.  “Mechanical Heart” is a heartfelt track that allows Beth to really place all her cards on the table and expose herself lyrically and vocally.  The song builds through the verses and chorus and the orchestral sound at the bridge takes this song to a different level.  Disc closer “Mama This One’s For You” features Beth on vocals and piano, with no other accompaniment and, even with a stripped down sound, the feeling behind the vocals stands out and keeps this song strong from open to close.

Tracklisting: Might As Well Smile – Tell ‘Em To Hold On – Tell Her You Belong To Me – Trouble – Better Than Home – St. Teresa – We’re Still Living In The City – The Mood That I’m In – Mechanical Heart – As Long As I Have A Song – Mama This One’s For You

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Category: CD Reviews