Label: Big Buckle Entertainment

Release Date: May 19, 2015

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

A little country girl, a little rocker chick, and a whole lot of hurt and pissed off... Adley Stump is the equivalent of a twanged out Alanis Morissette, and that is a great thing.  Adley co-wrote every track on the disc except the closing bonus track.  "Fall" kicks this deluxe EP of, and it has all the makings of a great radio track.  The music is catchy and the lyrics are heartfelt, as well as heart tugging.  This track will be the anthem for many a relationship in trouble.  "Like This" is a killer track that is all attitude and swagger.  Co-penned with Hinder's Cody Hanson and Marshal Dutton, this song comes loaded with guitar licks, power drums, and awesome vocals that add depth.  "Never Read This" is another love gone wrong song, but alongside the other tracks on this disc, it fits.  The emotional vocals drive the pain and hurt of the lyrics home hard.  "Walking Away" is as country as it gets on this disc, but this ain't your mama's twang.  The lyrics further build the 'you screwed up' theme on this collection, but the fun rhythm and lyrics make this one "pissed off hell-raising" good time.  The lead single, "Stay At Home Soldier" is a poignant song that tackles the subject of the families left behind when a soldier goes off to duty.  This breakout song demonstrates the talent this artist has in conveying a story.  "Little Black Dress" is a high-energy track that sounds and feels like Adley's response to all the 'bro-country' music out there today.  The vocals and tempo of the song spell a good time, regardless of the genre and station that may spin this one.  The bonus rack on this release is a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."  This is one of the catchiest versions of the song I have heard in a long time and is a nice added feature for anyone that held out picking up this collection.  If this EP is any indication of what is to come, I cannot wait to see what else Adley has up her sleeve...  If it is this good, why a 9.5 instead of a 10?  Simply put, there aren't enough songs!!!

Tracklisting: Fall - Like This - Never Read This - Walking Away - Stay At Home Soldier - Little Black Dress - Hallelujah

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