Album Review: The No-Hit Wonder – Cory Branan
10 years ago Brittany Fisher Comments Off on Album Review: The No-Hit Wonder – Cory Branan
He makes his home in Nashville, TN, but singer-songwriter Cory Branan hails from Southaven, MS, a small city just across the state line from Memphis, TN. About an hour south of Cory’s hometown is the famous crossroads where blues musician Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the ability to play the blues – and to play them damn well.
Well, Branan may not have sold his soul to the devil, but he sure can write a song. And he proves just that with the release of his latest album The No-Hit Wonder.
“Cory Branan is one of my favorite songwriters working today. He writes beautiful melodies, heartbreaking phrases, and very smart lyrics. This is the kind of record that makes you hit pause every so often to process what the crazy bastard just said,” says Jason Isbell, who is a featured artist on the album.
Isbell joins Branan on my favorite track of the entire album. It’s titled ‘You Make Me’ and Branan wrote the tune about his wife and how cool she is. Well, she would have to be. The two wed back in 2012 at the oh-so eclectic Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, MS, mere miles from those famous crossroads I spoke of earlier.
A fitting location indeed, as Branan’s musical roots are firmly planted in the soil of classic country and blues. All eleven songs from his newest release radiate a southern, bluesy, rock and roll vibe comparable to artists such as Lucero and Justin Townes Earle.
Jason Isbell isn’t the only artist to be featured on Branan’s latest compilation. Artists such as Caitlin Rose, Tim Easton, and Austin Lucas also join Branan on a few tracks.
Speaking of, ‘Sour Mash’ featuring Tim Easton is a second favorite song. It’s got that toe tapping, bass slapping rockabilly sound. Branan’s style may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. And I highly suggest you listen for yourself and find out whether or not it’s for you.
The No-Hit Wonder is scheduled to be released August 19. The album release show is happening in Nashville on August 23 at The High Watt. For more information on the album release party, visit The High Watt’s website.
To find out if Cory is coming to a city near you, view his tour schedule.
Latest posts by Brittany Fisher (see all)
- Live Review: Ray Lamontagne – The Orpheum – Memphis, TN - August 5, 2014
- Album Review: The No-Hit Wonder – Cory Branan - August 1, 2014
- Live Review: Twin Forks – 1884 Lounge – Memphis, TN - July 28, 2014
