I love writing about people I actually know. The idea of being able to put names out there of people that I know just makes me smile, and I hope it does the same on their end.
That said, here's Erin McLendon! Yes, she went to my college, and yes, she was in my sorority. Yes, we had a awesome bonding experience on a seemingly regular night out last time I was in Nashville. But beyond all of that, she is an awesome performer that is more than worthy of your listening time!
We're looking at Erin's SoundCloud offerings today, which she did mention to me were some of her older songs. But I haven't heard anything yet, so better to start somewhere late than never to start at all. "Honolulu Love" is first up, and you've got to appreciate a ukelele sound sort of floating on the sweet Hawaiian air I wish I was breathing while listening to this. I love that line "I'm 1000 miles away from anyone who might say 'girl, get your head out of the clouds.'" This is what love and relaxation should sound like for sure.
"Tell Me" comes on next, a little fuller with more band backing. I don't care for the mix on this - Erin's voice is lost under the louder instruments. And there's some sort of effect on the voice I'm not in love with. But when she hits the belt, you're reminded that she's got some kinda chops as a singer. This isn't just country, it's country powerful. And the recording sounds very live, so I want to hear some clapping and screaming throughout and at the end.
I love that SoundCloud just keeps playing through, almost like I'm hearing a CD. "My Escape" is a really nice combo of both styles we've heard from both of the previous songs. And it's a song about music, which is always a great thing. The subject is perfect and the treatment of it is just right. Erin's wrapping her voice around those words and I almost… how can I describe this? I feel like she's definitely singing with a guitar in hand because I can almost feel her body and voice moving along with the beat. Hopefully that makes sense to somebody out there!
"No Control" is a sweet little number. It's more of a party-ish tune, but doesn't quite cross that line. I don't know how I feel about this one. It's cute, but not to the feeling point that you want to sing it out yourself. Great filler song, but not the hit home single, though really, can every single song be that way?
The next one is calming, after all of that. "Everything That's Gone Right" just played on in the background while I got a few things done here, and while I can't say I know what every single word was along the way, I can say that it felt good to hear on a day when I've pretty much just been home alone, sort through things.
"That Ain't the Way It Works" is entertaining right off the bat. It's a song about not letting that summer love get away with writing it off as just a fling. The melodies here are a little ought, but tackled well. She's keeping up with them just like she's trying to keep up with this boy's mindset. It's a situation, for sure. Time to fess up and be fair, and the more I listen to this the more I feel like Erin gets me and my life.
I can't believe it, but we're at the the last song already. "Don't Let Me Go" ends it out strong though. It's kind of a sweet love song without getting sappy, but… the love's there. It's strong and good. Tell me you can't imagine dancing to this one live, and I'll for sure call you crazy. In fact, I'm getting up and partying to this one right… now.
Added to My Playlist (because it's available on Spotify!):
- "My Escape"
- "That Ain't the Way It Works"
- "Don't Let Me Go"
Stuff I Loved (and want on my playlist):
- "Honolulu Love"
Once again I'm left in awe and filled with pride by my friends. Erin has got some really impressive vocal ability going on here, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to take a listen here. Hope you all enjoyed it just as much, and keep listening and supporting great new artists, like Erin, as they share their gift with the world.