Generally, when I see an album labeled 'Deluxe' and it's a band/person with which I'm unfamiliar, I can't help but think that I'm going to be squandering an hour or more listening to outtakes, B-sides, and live versions – the 'Deluxe' portion of the album that I mostly find applicable only to diehard fans.
At seven songs, there isn't much 'Deluxe' to be found here, but hey, it's quite possible that Stump was just too busy in 2015. Not only did she author a best selling book (
How They Sell Music) but she played dozens of shows, including several high profile events. Like much new talent out there, Stump got her start with reality TV (The Voice), but unlike most fleeting reality stars, Stump parlayed her TV spots into a formidable career that has really taken off since she relocated to Nashville from Oklahoma.
“Fall” starts off the quick listen with strong, emotional vocals and quiet ebbs of melody mixed with louder, lush moments of pop country. While it doesn't musically separate itself from the legions of similar artists, Stump's incredible voice sure does. “Like This” follows with a more country feel before forming into a rowdy bar rocker that could get even the most gentle cowboy riled up. “Never Read This” is one of the few hushed moments here, a ballad of sublime beauty which showcases even further how well Stump can sing.
“Walking Away” is another powerful rocker mixed with country, which seems to be the theme here; it lays the groundwork for Stump's single, the solemn “Stay At Home Soldier.” A tune about a wife left at home to worry about her husband's fate at war, the single has apparently become quite successful in part to the easily relatable lyrical matter in these times of strife. While “Soldier” is probably the most memorable track here, “Little Black Dress” is actually my favorite; the banjo acrobatics makes it the most playful moment here. The bonus song, “Hallelujah,” is a surprise Leonard Cohen cover that does the original justice, again mostly due to Stump's robust pipes.
Could Adley Stump be the next household name to come from the pop country genre? Absolutely. The talent, dedication, and will are all present and accounted for on Like This.