Audra Mae has upped the ante on her self-titled sophomore album, thanks to the addition of her backing band, the Almighty Sound. She’s shifted from writing dark, yarn-spinning lyrics to crafting vibrant, imaginative songs soaked in sass and served with a slice of Oklahoma charm. But even with a new band and backing vocalists adding layers of depth and texture to her music, the ace up Audra Mae’s sleeve is her dramatic, deep voice. In the lead-off track, “The Real Thing,” she powers through the verses with such conviction that it’s impossible to deny her attention. Once she’s hooked her audience, she lets them know just what’s on her mind: “Little Red Wagon” is a bone fide heartbreaker in which she denies any would-be suitors the opportunity to get close. (At least her bad news comes with a quick, easy rhythm and a saloon-worthy piano arrangement.)
The singer does touch on her character-driven songwriting style in the inspired ballad, “Annie Get Your Gun,” in which she tells the tale of Annie Oakley in her twilight years, reflecting on her life and the messages of hope and optimism she would’ve told her younger self. And the album does have a barn-burning, whiskey-soaked party song, “Jebidiah Moonshine’s Friday Night Shack Party,” an audience-friendly number with a big call-and-response verse that’s sure to get fans moving when performed live. A certifiable vocal powerhouse and a proven songwriter, Audra Mae takes her music to a new level with her energized songwriting and a few great musicians by her side.
