Lizzie Wilson is a name that some members of the UK country community will be familiar with. She’s active on social media and has been playing around the country and recently performed her first headlining show at Fort San Antone. She is definitely a name to keep an eye out for.The five track debut EP was recorded in Nashville with Grammy Award Winning producer Larry Beaird, with all tracks being co-written by Wilson alongside fellow UK artists such as Alex Jordan, Holloway Road and Megan O'Neill as well as Nashville recording artist Payton Taylor. The result? The perfect blend of country music from both sides of the Atlantic.
1. Do You Think About Me (Lizzie Wilson/Holloway Road)
It's pretty incredible to think that this is her debut single. Not only is this song incredibly catchy (think catchy as in Taylor Swift pre-genre change (not that Taylor's recent discography isn't catchy, it's just that this blog is Somethin' Country, rather than Somethin' Pop)), it's also a very assured performance and it's lovely to hear an artist feeling so confident, especially on their first release. It's very radio friendly and hopefully it'll find its way to radio soon enough. I've linked the music video down below to listen/watch (disclaimer: the video documents Lizzie's trip to Nashville so you may very well end up feeling jealous watching it) and the single is also available right now on iTunes.
2, Ask Me To Stay (Wilson/Megan O’Neill)
I wasn't familiar with co-writer Megan O'Neill before this EP but I immediately looked her up after hearing this song as she, along with Lizzie, have written a great, great song that would be at home on any radio station. The arrangement leans more to the country side yet I think the relatable lyrics and the easy on the ear vocals would win over even the most ardent anti-country fans. It narrowly missed out on being my favourite track on the album. Very narrowly, ultimately losing out to:
3. Infinity (Wilson)
This slower song showcases Lizzie's voice but it's the lyrics on this entirely self-penned track that really shines. It's sweet and it's beautiful and, even though this reviewer has a penchant for faster songs, this is definitely my favourite song on this EP. It's that good and you should buy the EP for this song alone.
4. The Way You Lie (Wilson/Alex Jordan)
This song steps up the pace but only ever so slightly for this brooding song. Over three minutes and eighteen seconds, like a good country song it builds, the story and lyrics developing, and leads into a nice guitar solo. This song whilst it sounds good recorded is one, I feel, that is really made to be performed live and I hope to hear it live in the not too distant future.
5. Living Out Loud (Wilson/Payton Taylor)
'I shine through the dark like a city light/I've waited my turn now it's my time'
These two lines screamed at me when I listened to it because they are so, so true. Lizzie Wilson is a great singer and a excellent songwriter and her time truly is coming and it is very well deserved.
If all is right with the world, we will hopefully see Lizzie on one of the pop-up stages at next year's Country 2 Country festival. Until then, you're missing out if you don't treat yourself to this gem of an EP. It comes out the 13th of November so until then, go get the lead single 'Do You Think About Me' now on iTunes HERE and go give her a follow HERE on Twitter.
