Grey DeLisle's Remarkable "Driftless Girl"

The prolific and supremely talented Grey DeLisle is a singer, songwriter, voice actor and stand-up comedian who's released some terrific music over the last few years, including the the marvelous covers record Borrowed, and She's An Angel, a superb collection of retro country originals. Her latest album, Driftless Girl, is another outstanding record. This magnificent collection of folk and country tinged songs may just be her best work yet. Driftless Girl opens with the low-key ballad "Where You're Coming From." That extraordinary track is followed by the terrific, country-rock flavored duet "My Two Feet," which includes vocals by Buck Meek.

The poignant "Driftless Girl," is a beguiling tune (featuring guest artist Nikki Grossman) which contains one of DeLisle's strongest performances to date. She always manages to find the heart and emotional center of the characters in her songs, and "Driftless Girl" is a prime example of this innate talent. The impressive title song isn't the end of DeLisle's superb work on the album. There's also the affecting "The Ballad of Ella Mae," a stunning murder ballad, and the captivating "I Don't Wanna Want You," a tale we can all relate to, about that person you probably shouldn't love or want to be with, but still do.

The spirited "Pretty Jolie" and the sly, tongue in cheek "Quick Draw" will win you over with their cool grooves and the energetic performances from DeLisle and her band. "In The Living Room," and "Mama's Little Rose" are chock full of old school country vibes, and "Down From Dover" (written by Dolly Parton) is a classic story song featuring another beautiful vocal by DeLisle. Driftless Girl is a truly magnificent record. DeLisle is an extraordinary, radiant performer and gifted songwriter, and she just keeps getting better with every release. Driftless Girl, with excellent production work by Jolie Holland, is most definitely on my list of the best albums of 2024. If you're not already listening to Grey DeLisle's music, this record is a great place to start. Here are links to "Driftless Girl," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu5Si90bv3g, and "My Two Feet," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MVV3XGPeBU.