this is the third album for this 33 year old artist, nearly three years in the making from her breakout release ‘all or nothin’, which was produced by the black key’s dan aurbach. this one was self produced by nikki and her boyfriend jonathan tyler, and released on new west records. dubbed in some corners as the ‘first lady of outlaw country’ (which seems a bit premature to me), this album probably won’t go very far in dissuading that notion, but i also find it hard to categorize as a predominately ‘country’ genre. she is on the road about three hundred days a year, and there is a an edgier honky tonk feel to many of the cuts. she delayed recording the songs for quite a while because they didn’t feel right to her and took them back out on the road for some more work. but more importantly she is not afraid to add retro flourishes to many of the songs – doo wop vocals, seventies guitar rock, cry in your beer ballads, etc.

her voice is unique and intriguing. she won’t win any talent contests on tv, and she is not pitch perfect, but it is clear to me she has lived the songs, and her south carolina drawl is proudly on display. ten songs that are well produced, creative, and heart felt all the way through. i enjoyed this and will be keeping an eye on her.