Full Review

Esther Rose, How Many Times Review

Esther Rose is a Country singer and songwriter that has a way of capturing life with her lyrics that singles her out in a crowd of other singers and songwriters. Her optimistic attitude is encouraging while never seeming too earnest, and her harsher instants never go too dim. Her voice delivers the honest lyrics with a girl-next-door vibe as she opens a window to her heart with grace and dexterity. Rose’s alt-country sound also pulls from folk and pop. On March 26th, Rose will release How Many Times, her third full-length album and second with Father/Daughter Records. A collection of complete takes recorded live to tape with rich instrumentation, soul-tugging hooks, and resonating vocal melodies. The album was co-produced by Ross Farbe of synthpop band Video Age, who Rose also credits for bringing a stereo pop glow to these new songs. Fresh from opening for Nick Lowe on tour to being asked to sing on Jack White’s latest album, Rose’s voyage lately has been one of saying yes to new opportunities, all while nurturing and playing in bands in the New Orleans country music scene.

Bottom Line: How Many Times is ten new songs that glisten of the sweeping growth Rose has undergone, both personally and artistically. Her lyrics embrace her troubles and faces them head-on and doing whatever’s necessary to keep growing upwards and outwards. The trials of moving through and reflecting on both adversity and beauty are a theme throughout the album. Rose shows she is on her own path, marching to not just the beat of a different drummer but to a big brass band in her very own parade. The title track opens the album with a gentle acoustic guitar and warm violin to a swaying folk-country beat. Rose’s voice is authentic and inviting as she sings the storyline. Rose grows her alt-country boom into a flourishing realm of folk-pop, rustic Americana, and tender harmonies. “They’re the holy trinity of songwriter magic,” she says, “and when I listen to them, I feel like I can explore my own heartache.” Supporting Rose on the project is Matt Bell on lap steel, Max Bien Kahn on electric guitar, Dan Cutler on upright bass, Cameron Snyder on drums, and Lyle Werner on fiddle. “Good Time” was inspired by her car’s engine failing during an impulsive “pitstop” in Nashville. “Good Time” is evidence of Rose’s ability to write the irony and symbolism of situations while still maintaining a spark of joy and hope. The chorus, part lamentation, and part tolerance have an anthemic quality—a shoulder shrug that almost feels hopeful when Rose sings it. The upbeat acoustic guitar and low to high melody capture the attention as Bell adds solid lap steel fills. Overall, How Many Times is an album of authenticity, from the way it was recorded to Rose’s witty lyrics and honest singing. There is something for everyone here, with easy-to-follow melodies and situations that will provide a solid soundtrack to life’s events. That’s the short of it!