Billionaire

“Billionaire” Kathleen Edwards
6th album from the Ottawa native singer-songwriter, who now resides in Florida. Edwards quit the music business (and, in fact, opened a coffee shop named Quitters near Ottawa and worked there during an extended hiatus between 2012 and 2020). In this album — with production from Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson — Edwards has moved away from some of her lighter fare into bold guitar rockers. Her lyrics offer honest and sometimes harsh observations on life and living. RIYL: Neko Case, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sharon Van Etten, k.d. lang.
— Francis

Recommended: 2, 1, 5, 7, 10, 3. No FCCs noted.

1. (3:32) Save Your Soul — Confident rock opener with a measured tempo and a bit of an Americana twang. Warm, rich harmonies in the choruses. ****
2. (6:13) Say Goodbye, Tell No One — Sprawling, cinematic guitar rocker. Edwards’ vocals are sweeter than on the opener. Jason Isbell’s influence (and his guitar solos) are evident in this one. First single. ****
3. (3:44) Little Red Ranger — Quiet, strummy and somewhat rootsy shuffle. Piano and organ build in the choruses. ***
4. (3:30) When The Truth Comes Out — Southern rocker, with a nod to Tom Petty.
5. (4:10) Billionaire — Shimmering, sad, anthemic tribute to a close friend who committed suicide at a young age. Expresses the sentiment that love can make us all billionaires. ****
6. (6:35) Need A Ride — Strident rock that’s a cynical take on our polarized society and how people point fingers at one another. Long, edgy-at-times organ and guitar trail-out for the final two minutes.
7. (3:44) Little Pink Door — Country-flavored ballad. Guitars and keys are layered into a lovely arrangement. Recorded live in studio in one pass. ***
8. (3:16) FLA — Upbeat, toe-tapper road song. Driving rhythm, electric and acoustic guitar, and keys. Edwards’ lead vocals, plus generous harmonies.
9. (2:39) Other People’s Bands — Another guitar rocker. Biting commentary on the music business, especially how women are often treated.
10. (3:43) Pine — Quiet and contemplative. Spare arrangement at the start with vocals, a simple beat, jangly guitar and a hint of mournful steel guitar. Builds over time with harmonized backing vocals at the end. ***