If you haven’t heard of Grace Potter, you must be living under a rock. This Vermont native has been the frontwoman of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals since 2002. Together they’ve released four successful studio albums, most recently The Lion The Beast The Beat (2012). Potter is particularly praised for her powerhouse vocals and high-energy performances (which I experienced myself two summers ago – it was a blast).
Grace Potter is also recognized for her diverse solo projects. Disney fans may know her from “Something That I Want”, the song from the closing credits of Tangled. She has collaborated with big name country singers such as Kenny Chesney, rock legends like The Rolling Stones and Grammy award-winning producer T Bone Burnett. In addition to singing, Potter plays guitar, piano, keyboards, organ and the tambourine. Thirteen years in the music business and this multi-instrumentalist shows no signs of slowing down.
*Check out this video of “Empty Heart” (posted just last August)
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPEE33a8ufA
On August 14th, Grace Potter released her second solo album Midnight.
Noteworthy tracks: Instigators, Your Girl, Look What We’ve Become, Empty Heart
http://https://open.spotify.com/album/6vH6hPl0Woh6Cp1EUbpYq7
I may be a bit old-fashioned, but I prefer albums over singles. Midnight certainly meets my standards, the album has a nice flow to it. Even though I’ve pointed out some stand-out tracks, I recommend listening to the album from start to finish. In Midnight, Grace Potter unabashedly sings about love, sex and all the feelings that come with them. Think of her as Sheryl Crow with a hard rock edge.
My sole criticism is also a compliment: Midnight sounds pretty similar to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals albums. Songs such as “Instigators” show a return to Potter’s rock roots, while “The Miner” and “Low” are deep-cutting ballads. Then there’s “Delirious”, which starts off as a pop song and ends in a powerful, blues-y solo. Regardless of genre, each track showcases Potter’s lyrical creativity. I can honestly say that the more I listen to this album, the more I like it.
So what kind of music does Grace Potter play?
Rock? Pop rock? Folk rock? Blues Rock? Alt Rock? Country?
Maybe all of the above.
Whatever it is, it’s working. Keep doing you Grace.