ALBUM: Nikki Lane 'All Or Nothin''

Rating:

All Or Nothing is Nikki Lane’s second album following the 2011 release, Walk of Shame.

From the opening track, ‘Right Time’, this is a country sound with a twist. Songs like ‘Good Man’ have a sixties pop feel to them while tracks like ‘Man Up’ are the antithesis of Tammy Wynette’s ‘Stand By Your Man’.

Nikki’s music comes across as a sassy, country girl wanting to be heard. Attitude pours out of her vocals in tracks such as ‘Sleep With A Stranger’ where one night stands are on the menu: Take country music and add two drops of pop and Riot Grrrl.

Songs like ‘Wild One’ and ‘Out Of Mind’ have a traditional country sound and solid lyrics, and blend in perfectly with tracks like ‘Seein’ Double’ which are much more pop sounding.

The last track, ‘Want My Heart Back’ showcases her more vulnerable side as she almost cries, “I want my heart back”. The overall vibe of the album is anger and strength, and then it closes with a song that suggests that Nikki is as fragile as the next broken heart.

There is a depth and honesty to her voice that is often hard to find and one which you imagine would be even more impressive in a live setting. You can see why she draws comparison to the likes of Wanda Jackson as she brings the country sound kicking and screaming into the 21^st century.

Teaming up with Black Keys Dan Auerbachof, Lane has created a country album for this decade. She is an incredible talent and I look forward to future projects.

All Or Nothin’ is released on 2nd February via New West Records, LLC