HomeMusicKip Moore – Slowheart album review

Kip Moore – Slowheart album review

Kip Moore - Slowheart
Credit: Spinefarm Records UK

If there’s one singer-songwriter in Country music right now who deserves way more credit than they get, it’s Kip Moore. In 2012 Moore released his debut album Up All Night, which was recently certified Platinum, and he scored a number one smash with Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck, which sold more than 2 million copies. Follow up album Wild Ones arrived in 2015 and despite critical acclaim, Moore was pretty much snubbed by Country radio and wasn’t recognised by any of the major award shows, which quite frankly is baffling.

Here in the UK, Moore is a serious draw following his performance at C2C: Country to Country performance in 2015. He’s cultivated a passionate and loyal following and will be returning for a tour in October in support of his new album Slowheart. Already out in the US and arriving on Friday here in the UK, Slowheart is Moore’s most consistent and interesting record to date. With co-writer credits on 11 of the 13 tracks, Moore has created a sonically varied album that plays to his strengths while offering something new for his fans.

Although I’ve enjoyed his previous two albums, I’ve always felt that Moore translates better in a live arena. With Slowheart he’s managed to capture that energy that makes him so electric as a live performer. The album opens with the 80s-tinged rock feel of Plead the Fifth, a track that pumps along with a solid beat and features a more restrained vocal from Moore on the verses. Once he unleashes the power and grit of his voice on the chorus, you’re already sucked into the record and eagerly anticipating what’s coming next.

As the promotional singles for the album have hinted, Slowheart is an album that aims to progress an evolve Moore’s sound. The attitude-filled highlight The Bull is one of the catchiest songs on the record as Moore thanks those who have contributed, in both positive and negative ways, to his career. It’s the perfect anthem for someone who has very much spent his career being the underdog. The lead single More Girls Like You fits neatly into the track listing offering a perfect slice of summery country rock.

I’ve Been Around explores Moore’s lothario side as he sings about meeting a host of beautiful women as he tours around the world, Bittersweet Company is a shimmering soft rock number, and Good Thing is a joyous love song about finding someone who makes your heart skip a beat. The highlight on the album is the mid-tempo ballad Last Shot where Moore uses whiskey as a metaphor for how he feels about a woman.

The album closes with Guitar Man, a song that Moore has been performing live for the last couple of years. It’s one of the most stripped-down moments on the record and it really lets his fantastic voice shine.

Slowheart is a superb collection from Moore and I think he’s finally delivered an album that truly showcases his incredible talents. Moore is one of the finest singer-songwriters right now and it’s about time that the industry recognised that. Slowheart will ensure that his fanbase continues to grow and it’s sure to secure him plenty of sold-out shows on this side of the pond.

[brid video=”162729″ player=”531″ title=”Kip Moore The Bull”]

 

Track listing: 1. Plead the Fifth 2. Just Another Girl 3. I’ve Been Around 4. Fast Women 5. Bittersweet Company 6. Sunburn 7. More Girls Like You 8. The Bull 9. Blonde 10. Good Thing 11. Last Shot 12. Try Again 13. Guitar Man Record Label: Spinefarm Records UK Release Date: 15th September 2017

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of Piñata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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