Evolution is a perfect title for Hannah Anders debut studio album. Not only is it a metaphor for her rise from a small-town Georgia native to budding country music star, it’s also evident in the progression of her sound. From the up-beat playfulness of “Drinkin’ Him Wonderful” to the breakup ballad of “Outside Looking In”, Evolution is a must-add for any fan of new age country pop.
The tone of the album is set with the very first song. “Break Up” is your classic small town relationship story, with a circle of breaking up just to get back together and feel new again. More importantly, Anders shows she can reach her audience by giving them something that anyone can relate to.
Despite being a country album, the rock and roll influences are very evident. “Paint The Town” and “Turn It Up” teeter on being rock songs with a country twang. Nonetheless, Hannah Anders range is on full display. With a strong guitar hook and booming vocals, Anders proves she is capable making a late-night bar anthem that anyone could get up to.
Most notable of the album would be Anders’s lyricism. “Redneck Riding Hood” is a fun play on the classic fable, with Red Riding Hood being a modern-day southern belle just making her way through the world. On the flip side, “Outside Looking In” is a perfect description of relationships today and the problems that come along with that. That ability to go from such highs to very deep lows is quite impressive in a debut album.
Evolution is quite the opening act to Ander’s young career. A skillful display of vocal range and lyricism, accompanied by master class production, makes this an album to remember. Evolution seems to be the start of a very promising career for Hannah Anders.