“Natural Disaster” Bethany Cosentino
Solo debut of former Best Coast frontwoman, Bethany Cosentino. Radio-friendly, sunny pop rock, with a hint of Nashville (where the L.A.-based singer-songwriter recorded the album) on some of the tracks. Passionate, personal lyrics about dealing with the twists and turns of modern life, with frequent references to love — sung in Cosentino’s powerful vocals. Catchy melodies spun in carefree and uplifting arrangements — supported by a solid backing band composed of Nashville session players. RIYL: Sheryl Crow, Jenny Lewis, Michelle Branch, Indigo Girls.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 3, 1, 6, 4, 9, 7, 2. FCCs on tracks 3 and 9 have been edited.

1. (3:39) Natural Disaster — Bouncy and breezy — a nicely swaying pop tune, but with a serious underlying message about global warming. Strummy, ironically with a nod to Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun.” ****
2. (3:56) Outta Time — Uplifting, driving anthem with a big guitar solo. Harmonized vocals in the choruses. ***
3. (3:46) It’s Fine (Radio Edit) — The single. A confident strut as Cosentino looks back at how much she’s grown since Best Coast’s debut 13 years ago. She sings to an unknown ex, “I am evolved/You’ve stayed the same.” ****
4. (3:44) Easy — A piano ballad that builds throughout. Plaintive vocals soar over the keyboards, as Cosentino contemplates regrets and what might have been. ***
5. (2:48) A Single Day — Starts with just guitar and vocals and then expands into toe-tapping alt country, with pedal steel embellishments.
6. (3:16) My Own City — Another anthemic tune that ramps into a rocker with a clock-like beat, rich harmonized vocals and lead guitar solos. ****
7. (3:53) For A Moment — Another tune that straddles the line between pop rock and alt country. Disarmingly vulnerable lyrics examine life’s quandaries, with a nod toward how love can transform. ***
8. (3:18) Calling On Angels — Up-tempo, guitar-driven rocker. Title pays homage to the Train song, although the melody is not at all similar.
9. (3:21) Real Life (Radio Edit) — Shuffling rhythm with longing vocals. Piano, guitar and storytelling lyrics. ***
10. (3:27) Hope You’re Happy Now — Slow-burning, dreamy ballad with shimmering keys and guitars.
11. (3:59) It’s A Journey — Simple strummed guitar and mandolin. Soaring vocals as Cosentino sings about finding the way on her journey.
12. (2:48) I’ve Got News For You — Halting, wistful piano ballad closer. Very spare arrangement, almost like a demo before it’s been fully produced. Cosentino’s vocals stand out against the emptiness. **
13. (3:46) It’s Fine (Unedited) — Non-radio safe version of Track 3. (FCC: shit)
14. (3:21) Real Life (Unedited) — Non-radio safe version of Track 9. (FCC: f-ck)