Courtney Marie Andrews – Loose Future (Fat Possum)

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Courtney Marie Andrews takes on matters of the head and the heart on her latest album, Loose Future.

For Courtney, the term “Loose Future” means “be flexible”…learn to adjust to the changing times.

At age 31, Andrews has been working toward this moment since she began recording 14 years ago (you do the math).

Her previous album, 2020’s Old Flowers, set the table for what we hear here.

The 10 songs that comprise Loose Future find Courtney Marie Andrews trying to make her way in this new “post-pandemic” world, just like the rest of us. The universality of that theme is what draws the listener into Andrews’ version of this not-so-brave new world.

“I have learned from my mistakes” sings Courtney on the opening title track in a voice reminiscent of Carey-era Joni Mitchell. “There’s parts of me I can’t give away” Courtney continues as a pedal steel sets an ethereal tone.

Andrews and co-producer Sam Evian (Cass McCombs, Cassandra Jenkins) set a sonic palate that mixes chamber pop with country/folk. When those strings start to swell during the meditative On The Line, your heart will follow suite.

A highlight to this listener is These Are The Good Old Days…a lyrical nod to Carly Simon’s Anticipation…but Courtney’s own words…He’s in a Queen T-shirt and baggy jeans…prove that she can hold her own against likes Carly, Joni and Carole.

“Trying to break old habits isn’t easy” Andrews sings in Change My Mind, and that is true, but in these changing times, listening to Courtney Marie Andrews’ Loose Future just might be a new habit you’ll want to take up.

Marty Duda

Watch Courtney Marie Adams duet with Joe Pug on Tom Petty’s The Insider live at The 13th Floor back in 2017

 

 

 

Marty Duda
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