Price sings a song to her teenage self on “Nobody’s Stopping You Now,” the third of three songs mid-album that, alongside “Being A Woman” and “Making Do,” offer mild feminist encouragements in strong pop melodies. Elsewhere, on the snappy opening track, “Hypotheticals,” and much of the record the lyrics tend toward familiar romantic concerns, while “Hush Money,” is a funky vamp that addresses the way corporate financial interests shape the ways information gets to us.
Working with producer Mike Elizondo, noted protégé of Dr. Dre whose credits include hip hop acts like Eminem & 50 Cent as well as pop divas like Carrie Underwood and Fiona Apple, Lake Street Dive has delivered a big, polished studio sound, which plenty of bouncy bass, bright harmony vocals and some Stevie Wonder-like synth solos throughout. Bassist Bridget Kearney, Mike Olson on guitar, keys and the occasional trumpet, drummer Mike Calabrese, and Bermiss’ keys and the genuine vocal chemistry elevate these familiar 70’s pop formulas with a vibrant vitality that feels just a tad less persuasive on the back half of the disc. Still, Obviously puts plenty of snap and crackle in its smart pop sound.
Brian Q. Newcomb
For more of Brian Q. Newcomb’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
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