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Chris Lane, Girl Problems ยฉ Big Loud

3 out of 5 stars

While โ€œFor Herโ€ is okay, but not particularly great, up-and-coming country musician Chris Lane showcases both vocal and artistic potential. 

Chris Lane becomes the latest country musician to break through.  After releasing an EP (Fix), Lane prepares to release his debut album, Girl Problems (due August 5).  One of the promo singles from Girl Problems is โ€œFor Her,โ€ an eclectic single that attempts to crossover beyond country. Is โ€œFor Herโ€ successful? Moderately.

The Pros:

On โ€œFor Her,โ€ Lane contributes expressive vocals. He possesses a nice tone, and nails the nuances. Lane sounds bests when he flaunts his falsetto. On the verses โ€“ where the falsetto appears โ€“ there is more of an R&B vibe.  On the chorus, however, heโ€™s more straightforward country.

The Cons:

Country might be Laneโ€™s lane, but arguably, the most countrified section of โ€œFor Hereโ€ is the least effective.  The banjo is too heavy on the chorus โ€“ itโ€™s โ€œin your face.โ€ Furthermore, the separation is between verse and chorus is too dramatic. The production grows overwrought โ€“ too busy.

 Final Thoughts 

All in all, โ€œFor Herโ€ is okay, but not particularly great.  Chris Lane has plenty of vocal potential โ€“ particularly on the verses, he shines. The production, however, is a wee bit too busy during the refrain. Thereโ€™s too much banjo!  Furthermore, the falsetto trumps the twang (of the chorus). 

Chris Lane โ€ข Girl Problems โ€ข Big Loud โ€ข Release: 8.5.16 
Photo Credit: Big Loud

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.