Listen "Out" - September Gayly music reviews

By Taylor Brunwald
Music Critic

Chely Wright – I Am the Rain

When the award-winning Chely Wright came out as a lesbian in 2010, she was the first country artist to do so, which was especially notable for the conservative genre. That same year saw her become a spokesperson for GLSEN, as well as her founding the LIKEME Organization, which raises LGBT awareness and promotes anti-bullying for youth. Wright not only came out for herself, but as a fearless community advocate.

            Her eighth studio album I Am the Rain is a tender exercise in honesty and devotion. Largely funded by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, I Am the Rain features Emmylou Harris (on “Pain”), Rodney Crowell (a co-writer on “At the Heart of Me”) and the Milk Carton Kids (on a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time”).

            The album’s title comes from “You Are the River,” using the unstoppable force of moving water as a metaphor for lovers who “don’t know how to stay away.” Wright’s latest effort is soft yet warm, easy as rain, and worth every cent invested.

            I Am the Rain is anticipated to be released for purchase and streaming on September 9, with a forthcoming tour expected soon.

Camille Bloom – Pieces of Me

            Prolific singer-songwriter Camille Bloom enters 2016 with her seventh studio album, Pieces of Me. Just shy of forty-two minutes, Pieces of Me is entertaining throughout its runtime, refusing to adhere to any particular genre.

            Bloom explores the highs and lows of relationships (“Lift Me Up,” “Everywhere But Here”) and the paradoxical strength that comes with vulnerability (“I’m here to stick it out to the bitter end to be with you/But I know that I deserve you,” she sings on “Turn Back to You”). Like every traveling performer, “Hit the Road” is an obligatory song about the troubadour lifestyle.

            Yet, Bloom falls short with worn-out criticisms of millennial life. “Zombie” is a tirade against the artificiality of social media as substitute for relationships and “Novocaine” [sic] rants about over-medicated children. The dated “dance remix” of “Lift Me Up” at the end is an unnecessary, unsatisfying closing track.

            Bloom picks up the pieces around her for an engaging album, though the light shines brighter in spaces.

            Pieces of Me is now available for purchase. She tours often, but leave your phone in your pocket if you see her.

Bright Light Bright Light – Choreography

            Openly gay Welsh electronic artist Rod Thomas is more fun than ever with Choreography, his third studio album under the Bright Light Bright Light stage name. Hearkening to late ‘80s adult contemporary, this album is similar to his sophomore album Life is Easy in that it starts strongly but gradually slows down.

            “The symmetry of two hearts is never easy/I never know where to start but I really try/Even if we’re two parts of one puzzle I still, I still wish we were one,” Thomas laments on the amazingly upbeat “Symmetry of Two Hearts.”

            Gay icons are present in guest spots throughout, including Ana Matronic and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, and the legendary Elton John featured on three tracks. Standout tracks include lead single “All in the Name,” the tantalizing “Kiss For Kiss,” and the triumphant “Where is the Heartache.”

            Choreography is now available for purchase and streaming. Bright Light Bright Light will be touring in limited U.S. stops throughout September.

PARTYNEXTDOOR – P3

            PARTYNEXTDOOR is a Canadian alternative R&B artist under the stage name of Jahron Anthony Brathwaite. He began making a name for himself alongside similar artists such as Frank Ocean, FKA Twigs, and How To Dress Well several years ago. On his sophomore album P3, he continues to tread between somnambulant bangers and nocturnal hymns to debauchery, while cementing his signature nocturnal sound.

            While the lead single “Come and See Me,” which features Drake, is representative of his usual mellow style, PARTYNEXTDOOR expands his repertoire throughout P3. “Not Nice” and “Only U” are dancehall jams, “Spiteful” has an extended guitar solo akin to Rihanna’s more recent work and “Transparency” features possibly his most aggressive beat yet.

            Modern R&B fans have much to enjoy within P3, although listeners unfamiliar with this subgenre may want to listen to his earlier work first.

            P3 is now available for purchase and streaming.

Copyright The Gayly 9/15/2015 @4:22 p.m. CST