If It's Too Loud...

Speaking of artists that have leveled up in 2023, Margo Price absolutely killed it with Strays. I've repeatedly said that it seemed like Price realized the world needed a Tom Petty and decided to become one. Strays  still has a country sound, but it has more of that timeless classic rock meets alt-rock sound that Petty mastered. (Plus, I believe we're legally required to mention that this album was written on shrooms since most coverage of it focuses on that fact.) Strays is just a great rock album. "Been to the Mountain" leans into psychedelic rock. "Light Me Up" is a little more straightforward country rock. "Radio" goes a little New Wave and brings in Sharon Van Etten for some vocals. And then there is "Lydia." "Lydia" is this quiet and intense song that is mostly folk but has some indie rock noise moments delivered by strings. And it has Price delivering her vocals in the best speak-singing method since... well... Tom Petty....

Margo Price has been easing away from her classic country sound to a more rock based one, but her latest single sees her taking a step back towards country once again. "Lydia" is a song that is mostly just Price with an acoustic guitar with some strings in the background to set the mood. It's really the strings that set the tone for this song. Typically violins add a lush and beautiful background to a song, but with "Lydia" it sounds more like it's setting the tone for a horror movie. All of the elements of a lovely acoustic folk song are present, but instead Price gives us one of the most anxiety inducing songs of the year, and I mean that as a compliment.  In an email to fans, Margo Price says of the new song: "I wrote Lydia in one sitting in a tiny hotel room after walking around the city of Vancouver one day. I was jet lagged and feeling really depressed, hopeless, but instead of taking a nap, I picked up the guitar and the words just flowed out all...

Photo via Facebook If you had told me that Margo Price was going to stray from her classic country sound, I would have been furious and refused to like any new music purely on principle. However, her new music and new sound is completely irresistible. "Change of Heart" is this funky rock and pop song with nary a hint of Price's typical country sound. If anything, "Change of Heart" is more New Wave influenced than country. To me this sounds like Tom Petty's early 80's dalliance into New Wave while keeping some classic rock and country roots intact. At this point, Margo Price can do literally no wrong, and I'll accept anything she wants to throw at me with glee. You can watch the video for "Change of Heart" below. Strays is due out January 13 and can be pre-ordered/pre-saved here . For more on Margo Price, check out the artist's website .