Beneath the Neon Glow

Album review

British singer/songwriter Elles Bailey has always adhered to a do-it-yourself work ethic. She has been solely responsible for two EPs and three studio and two live albums, issued by her labels Libracorn Music Ltd. and Outlaw Music. 2022's excellent Shining in the Half Light made five national charts including U.K. Albums (number 42) and Jazz and Blues Albums (number one). Unfortunately, her business responsibilities claimed more of her creative time, and she needed a change but didn't want to lose her independence. Several labels courted her, and she chose Cooking Vinyl, a long-running independent label known for its artist-first focus. Beneath the Neon Glow was produced by Dan Weller and recorded with Bailey's well-seasoned road band. While continuing to compose poignant lyrics, Bailey places more emphasis on melody and production. These ten tracks are immediate, warm, and laden with roots genres, threading country, soul, pop, and Americana into her own sonic signature. This hookier sound adds impact to her lyrics. The album's overarching theme examines many kinds of love.
Opener "Enjoy the Ride" details the songwriter's attitude about her own journey, in a cut-time country shuffle with acoustic slide guitar. Bailey's testimony rings out as pumping piano and a muddy bassline provide musical backbone. A gospelized backing chorus delivers the refrain atop power chords and handclaps. "Ballad of a Broken Dream" was co-written with Tamara Stewart in 2019. Its lyric narrates the tale of a young artist whose dreams are dashed into tragedy. Bailey's especially poignant words are set to a polished Americana melody à la Kim Richey. A funky electric piano intros "Leave the Light On," and its lyric pays homage to a partner whose love and support are immeasurable. Pedal steel and clattering snares meld 21st century country to Fleetwood Mac (Joe Wilkins' electric guitar solo sounds uncannily like Lindsay Buckingham). "1972" joins funky soul and R&B, as breaking tom-toms meet a loose bassline, organ, Rhodes piano, and horns. Its lyric desires a romantic love representative of a more innocent time. The set's second half kicks off with "Truth Ain't Gonna Save Us," a country-rocker (think Miranda Lambert) with rockist guitar overtones that frames a searing lyric about lovers at the crossroads. "If This Is Love," another sad tune, weds bluesy rock to soaring soul and gospel with a buoyant chorus and grooves galore. "Let It Burn" is a power ballad with a thunderous chorus framing the protagonist in confronting the beloved's growing emotional distance. "Love Yourself" intros like '70s-era Rolling Stones, then on to Stax-style gritty soul with a tough love lyric set to an infectious pop hook.
Beneath the Neon Glow is thoroughly welcoming. It's a dynamic production adorned by polished songcraft, excellent charts, and peerless lyrics. Here, Bailey creates an expanded musical universe that encounters listeners where they are, then edifies their experiences with sophistication, depth, and an open heart.

© Thom Jurek /TiVo