Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Kathleen Edwards
Failer
Zoe Records

It takes some guts to name your debut album Failer, it’s almost like taunting fate, but Kathleen Edwards delivers an album full of country rock sounds that will leave you thinking of a tough as nails version of Lucinda Williams. Her rough, plain stated vocals suit her raw alt-country tunes about the dark underside of being human where people drink too much and are haunted by broken hearts and tragedy. It’s a strong collection of songs and proves that Kathleen has the goods to take a shot at the alt-country throne.

The debut single from the record, “Six O’Clock News” instantly lets you know you’re dealing with a winner. This is the kind of song that radio simply hates and the kind of song that reminds you just how damn good country music can be when it gets stripped down to its core elements. Ironically, “One More Song The Radio Won’t Like,” with its catchy melody and instrumental is probably the most radio friendly song on the record. “Hockey Skates” will have you singing along. Kathleen gets to be a smartass in “Westby,” where she sings “And if you weren’t so old I’d probably keep you/If you weren’t so old I’d tell my friends.” The simple acoustic guitar on “National Steel” combined with the emotional vocal performance and powerful story will leave you stunned.

If Failer has any flaw it’s the fact that a lot of these songs share similar stories and can run together a little bit. The first few times through the album I found myself skipping around but then the whole experience sinks in a bit. Then you realize just how good this record is and it continues to grow on you with each listen. It’s not a record you’re going to dive right into and find yourself happily singing along. It’s a heavy album that can take a little while to grab you full force.

If you’re looking for glossy, pop country this isn’t the record for you. Failer is a bleak, brooding collection of songs with as much of a folk rock backbone as it does country. It’s not a record that you’ll soon forget. The album might be a little rough around the edges but Kathleen Edwards is going to make some noise on the alt-country scene. You owe it to yourself to listen to this record.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.