The multi-talented Grey DeLisle has released a lot of incredible music in the last few years, including the fantastic records She’s An Angel (2023) and The Grey Album (2025). She was the executive producer and driving force behind last year’s all-star benefit album It’s All Her Fault: A Tribute To Cindy Walker. But if you thought the amazing Ms. DeLisle (who’s also a marvelous voice actress and stand-up comedian) was going to rest on her laurels after that, then you don’t know her very well. Her latest album, Grey & Greene, is a fabulous collaboration with soul singer Les Greene, who you might recognize from Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis, in which he portrayed Little Richard, or from his work with his fabulous soul/rock band, Les Greene and The Swayzees.
Grey and Greene is a sensational record, which finds DeLisle and Greene deeply inhabiting some soulful tunes which are infused with the sounds of classic soul, country, pop, and rockabilly, though the driving force here is soul with a capital S. Greene offers spectacular vocal work on the R&B flavored “I’m Gonna Let You Call Me Baby” and “Back of Your Hand,” while alt-country heroine DeLisle indulges her inner soul sister on the lovely “Mariposa” and the gospel-infused “Mister.” The dynamic duo trade vocals on the rollicking “Go Go Go,” “Shake That Thing” and “Home Wrecker,” which is a Greene led re-working of the title track from DeLisle’s 2002 album.
The tunes on Grey and Greene have a timeless quality, which is one of the hallmarks of DeLisle’s songwriting. She penned most of the tunes on the album, collaborating on several tracks with producer James Intveld. These exceptional songs are filled with real emotion, and the performances by both singers are outstanding. Just listen to the stellar work from DeLisle on the heartfelt “The Pieces,” and Greene’s exceptional take on the heartbreaking ballad “That’s All.” Their voices meld perfectly throughout the record, including on the closing track, a delightful cover of the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John hit “You’re The One That I Want.” Here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Rm8nR_dto.
The disc also features some fabulous backing musicians, including DeLisle’s frequent collaborator, guitarist and singer Deke Dickerson. Grey & Greene is a compelling, groovy and exuberant record. The disc moves effortlessly between multiple genres, including Southern soul, pop, rockabilly and country, but maintains a truly soulful sound at its core, steeped in real heart and emotion. If you’re a fan of Grey DeLisle and Les Greene, or dig the vintage genres featured on the disc, then this album is a must have. It's one of the best records of the year. Check out these links for “I’m Gonna Let You Call Me Baby” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7a0ev2pFcw and “The Pieces.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQs_D5qcnZs&list=RDEQs_D5qcnZs&start_radio=1.
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