Grace Potter - Midnight

Grace Potter
Midnight
2015

Saying that Midnight is a hit machine would be a gross understatement. Almost every track on the solo debut from Grace Potter has the potential of being a radio single and are all different in their own right. The album moves from jazz to soul back to funk and on to a southern country twang without Grace missing a beat. Her sultry sound allows her to move almost effortlessly in between these genres and it never feels all that contrived or forced. "Your Girl" may just be the standout with it's funky overtones and seemingly new message. The keys of the piano are slammed, feet are stomping and hands are clapping for the majority of the record. It is a celebration of Americana across the board and feels no obligation to remain quiet or stick to some kind of theme. With tracks like "Biggest Fan" which is another party anthem the idea here is to let loose any constraints that her former life as the front woman of the Nocturnals may have placed upon her. On Midnight Grace Potter is wide open and free. In terms of song writing don't expect to find strong narratives here, that really is not the point, as lyrics bounce around from here to there with almost reckless abandon.

It really is something to hear when Grace shifts from genre to genre on this record. Others have done it before (I'm thinking of the Zc Brown Band) but not with the (pun intended) grace that Potter does. "Delirious" is a straight up disco record, though she does cut the vocals and guitar solos loose at the end, and would be welcomed in any 70s dance hall. The elements she includes make sure the record stays modern and fresh. The final track "Let You Go" is probably the one slip up here as it tries far to hard to be a ballad/soul song. Otherwise the album is relentless in it's pursuit of the groove and fun. If Grace Potter wanted to make sure not to get pinned down in one particular genre or style she has succeeded in spades. Give Midnight a listen, but be prepared to do some foot tapping.

7.9 out of 10