Way Back Home

Sara Syms

Rusted Ruby Records, 2015

http://www.sarasyms.com

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 06/07/2016

Multi-instrumentalist Sara Syms is a flourishing singer-songwriter now based in Nashville, and her debut Fade To Blue was strong enough to get her nominated for IMEA's Americana Album Of The Year. On this second album, Syms took help from members The Lone Bellow, Rosanne Cash's band, and The Ramblers to flesh out these 10 tunes of sweet and dark stories.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

“Way Back Some” starts the affair with a very Nashville-esque feeling; that is, a soothing country rock feel and sugary yet muscular vocals from Syms that resemble a younger Bonnie Raitt. “Running Away From Me” continues those feelings and is a perfect barnyard dance tune, with a healthy pop feeling. This then goes the opposite direction into a slower, almost R&B mood of “Almost Home.”

Near the middle, Syms takes a more direct folk-rock approach with “Hard Work Pay,” where harmonicas and male vocals add greatly to making the song memorable, and the upbeat strumming of “Bright Dreams, Lonely Days,” which brings to mind Jewel's early days with a smattering of Southern influence. “Real Bad Low” contains a swampy Iron & Wine feel, but Syms’ honey-soaked pipes create an unusual and enchanting dichotomy

As the album progresses, it moves into darker areas, such as on the haunting “Crossroads,” the longing and aching “Take Me On,” and the not so subtle pedal steel on the album closer “In Time.” Sans any grit or alt-country, it's an exit of pristine beauty and showcases the best aspect of the album of Way Back Home: Syms’ lovely, calming, and addictive voice.

Singer-songwriters who write reflective songs while strumming their guitars are becoming so common that it's become all too easy to miss the truly great ones. This young woman is one of those greats who has stories to tell that you will want to hear.

Rating: A-

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