IN REVIEW - BRENT COBB - SOUTHERN STAR
Grammy-nominated musician and singer-songwriter Brent Cobb is back with his fifth studio album, 'Southern Star'. Recorded at the renowned Capricorn Studios in his home town of Georgia. The album is the first that Brent has produced himself, with help from Oran Thornton.
Not only did Brent record the album in Georgia, 'Southern Star' is very much a tribute to the southern state. This is no more apparent than in the opener and title track, a stunning song that starts the album off on an upbeat tone. Brent reminisces on his past and affirms his love of where he comes from and the sense of security and belonging he feels when he is away from home; he knows he "can always count on the Southern Star", a great sentiment.
On to 'It's A Start' which is smooth as you like with a groove that just resonates with the soul. Brent paints a vivid picture of a chilled-out day with loved ones. His words evoke scenes of a hazy summer get-together with friends and family around a barbeque or campfire, while the comforting, subtle guitar picking keeps the flow of the song going.
The whole album is presented in a very laid-back style while incorporating so many different musical styles that has filled the track-list with of nuggets of pure gold, from slower tracks like 'Patina' with it's calming tones to tracks like 'The Devil Ain't Done', in which Brent shows off his knack for writing a great lyric, "Heaven ain't ready and the Devil ain't done", showing his zest for life.
Cobb has taken his music back to his roots for this record, taking inspiration from the past and embracing all that involves, laying his emotions on the line for all to see. Brent has spoken about the tragic loss of his long-time friend, Jason "Rowdy" Cope and the album is at least in part named after a bar where Cobb and Cope used to spend time together. In a way, the record does feel very much like talking to an old friend.
Southern Star is a prime example of the greatness that can come from being exposed to a wide range of musical influences. Brent himself said he wanted to capture the "Southern eclectic" sound, and he most definitely achieved his goal. 'Southern Star' has been described as a love letter to Georgia, and in ten tracks, Brent has captured the essence of what he knows and loves about the music he grew up listening to and hearing all around him and used the sounds of the south to create something quite special.
Southern Star is available from September 22nd right here - orcd.co/southernstar
SOUTHERN STAR TRACK LIST
1. Southern Star
2. It’s a Start
3. Livin’ the Dream
4. Patina
5. ‘On’t Know When
6. Kick the Can
7. Devil Ain’t Done
8. When Country Came Back to Town
9. Miss Ater
10. Shade Tree
