Sola

Gina Villalobos took five years to write and record Sola. Rather than dump an inferior, less inspired album on the market, she worked through a difficult writer’s block until she rediscovered the fire. That explains why here, Villalobos opts for the best seven songs she’s written. No filler; no nonsense. Just the core essentials. This attitude makes Sola a credible, engrossing listen. You know that the artist behind it believes in each song. Working with guitarist Josh Grange, pedal steel master Eric Heywood, upright bassist Ian Walker, and drummer Quinn, Villalobos has a country-rock band that bring a cathartic vibe to the arrangements. The dense power of “Tailights” gives way to the sparse magic of “Come Undone (Interstate Ache)," where Heywood’s pedal steel supports a somber groove highlighted by Villalobos’ double-track vocals. “Wandering By” speaks in dark, beautiful poetry. “Tears Gone By” brings a sense of poignant optimism, with a chorus that offers a superior sense of redemption.