25 Records of Christmas, Day 22: Kait Lawson

When it comes to reviews and music, I don’t play favorites. *snorts* Okay, who am I kidding? I’m writing my top 25 records of the year, of course I play favorites. Especially when it comes to music. And when it comes to favorites, I always have to find someone from Memphis (or wherever I happen to be at the time) to include. Fortunately, I discovered a fantastic Memphis-bred artist this year, and she made my top 25 records list. May I introduce Kait Lawson, with her debut full-length album, Until We Drown.

I took a chance on Kait Lawson. I saw the record at work and was curious because she was from Memphis, plus she had a song named after the city as well. Turns out it’s one of the best country singer-songwriter albums this year. In fact, “Memphis” fits the city just right. With some sweet piano behind Lawson’s southern drawls and guitar, it gives you a taste of what Memphis is known for: soul. The deeply focused lyrics touch on hard times and rough relationships, but have a lightness about them. “Mad Ones” features some soothing vocals from Lawson, matched with soft strings and a deep bass flavor, giving it that Blues City foundation.

Kait Lawson will be playing at Poplar Lounge on NYE this year.

For a debut record, the album is pretty extensive. A solid ten songs featuring some of the best players in Memphis, including Dave Cousar and Steve Selvidge, gives Lawson the edge when it comes to her musical ability. “Place In The Ground” sounds like a fun, laid back jam that was concocted in the studio during Lawson’s sessions, and it still has that Southern flair to it. The tune also features some of Lawson’s best vocal talents, including great harmonies during the chorus. Additionally, strings and delicate electric guitar work alongside Lawson’s vocals during the emotional “You Lie In Lies”. 

The standout tracks here, besides the ones I’ve mentioned, also include the gut-wrenching “Spin Me Around”, and the album’s title track, tacked onto the end of the record, leaving you wanting more Kait Lawson. It's the longest track in the collection, but it sure is the most convicting and emotional. In a year full of fantastic debuts, Kait Lawson has placed herself well ahead of the curve, getting some of Memphis’ best musicians together to help her create a record that will stay in my player for a good while yet.