Competent Coherence Showcasing Steadiness
Miles Miller showcases his capabilities as a singer and a writer on his newly released debut album, Solid Gold, produced by country legend Sturgill Simpson, in a stunning display of his competence in many more aspects of the country-music scene. Stylistically and lyrically, this album covers a wide range of territory whilst painting an overall picture of encouragement and perseverance to listeners.
Whether it be slow-moving sad songs, like “My Sanity,” which is a track revolving around the seemingly eternal despair of life accompanied by the hard-hitting acoustic sounds of light piano and guitar backing, or upbeat songs, like “Highway Shoes,” which is an upbeat catchy country-rock sound about moving through life and staying “on the road,” Miller reaches an impressive range of sounds and messages.
Though this album is rooted in classic country, without exploring many other musical influences, Miller remains spontaneous in other aspects. The run of the final section of the album, “Even If,” “Seeing Clear” and “Always November” takes us from the melancholy sincerity of “Even If” to the swinging bassline and catchy guitar riffs of “Seeing Clear.” Both songs capture a distinct sense of bittersweetness, commenting on the power of love and on the light at the end of the tunnel, “seeing clear” after a feeling of numbness. “Always November” seems like another huge mood swing, from the upbeat hopeful chorus of “Seeing Clear” to the slow acoustic sounds of an eternal winter.
Though the contrasting sounds of this album might give a listener some whiplash, the rollercoaster of emotion and instrumentation is remarkable in itself. Millers’ explorations resemble the unpredictable ups and downs of life, wavering and wallowing into despair with songs like “I Wish” and experiencing highs in the title track “Solid Gold,” Miller captures the essence of life in many ways, especially coming after the complete uncertainty that was the pandemic.
Miller does a fantastic job in his first steps as a singer and writer. This is a debut album with extreme potential.
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