Ease My Mind

Having earned accolades from the Americana-alt.country bible *No Depression* magazine for being “gloriously soulful and triumphant,” Brooklyn roots-country singer Michaela Anne returns with *Ease My Mind*, her second album of honest, traditionally based country music. Anne came to country music via jazz, which she’d been studying unhappily when she realized her passions were with Patsy Cline and Otis Redding. “Lift Me Up,” a song about finding your own voice, starts the album as a sort of mini-pep rally for the young singer, before the pedal steel comes sweeping through the gorgeous “Is This What Mama Meant,” a tune that recalls another neo-country singer, Laura Cantrell. Harmonica introduces the post-breakup “When You Wanted Me,” another fine song that highlights Anne\'s impeccable country harmonies. Songs of love and expired affections dominate the album. The arrangements stick to honest performances. Any serious country music fan should find Michaela Anne an optimistic sign that genuine, traditional country music never goes out of style.

Lift Me Up Is This What Mama Meant When You Wanted Me The Haunting Ease My Mind Black and Gray I'm Not Her I Ain't For You Travelin' With You Anymore