With her debut effort Midwest Farmer's Daughter, Margo Price collected praises and accolades such as Americana Music Honor & Award for the best new performer, Ameripolitan Music Award for best honky tonk female singer, UK Americana Award for international song of the year (Hands of Time) and American Music Prize for the debut of the year. Release stood out from the bunch of other country releases, but it also crystallized as one of the best albums of 2016 in general category. Only one year later, Margo Price gives us her sophomore All American Made, also released under Third Man Records. The album is produced by Matt-Ross Spang, Alex Munoz, Jeremy Ivey and Margo Price. So, shall we begin with the dissection?
All American Made continues with the tone and colors of its predecessor, only it's more dire, candid and specific. Typical theme of country, ergo, "the feeling" Margo's biggest idol Waylon Jennings was walking about, is ubiquitous. Margo is possessing both the affection and the attitude for country music, and she has already proven that. The current album deepens her confession and connects it with political moment, although such a moment is never in the spotlight.
Sincerity that characterizes All American Made is not aggressive or raw, rather sensual because the singer's sensibility balances between straightforwardness and introversion. When you add warm and bright vocal to her reclusion, it is impossible to not enjoy in the subtle vulnerability of songs. In that sense, her debut contained more destructive motives, while the sophomore is more about simplicity and maturity.
The opening track Don't Say It is honky tonk par excellence that shows Margo's authentic artistic direction. Her vocal range is more rich than ever before, especially in the following Weakness that slowly turns towards sentimental tones and intimacy. Autobiographical facets are omnipresent on A Little Pain, which could be the biggest hit off the record because it's a fundamental country story, both melodically and lyrically. Duet with Willie Nelson is a special moment - touching, emotional and sincere song reveals all the magic of Margo Price, and Willy just takes it all to the next level. Pay Gap, Heart of America and Wild Woman are political segments of the album, while Cocaine Cowboys is another honky tonk dessert. Title track closes this top quality country album.
Margo, Margo...You set the bar too high for all the country musicians. Let's see If you also set it high for yourself.
