4/5 stars
Beth Hart sounds like someone my mother would like. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Before the rise of One Direction, my mother had decent taste in music.
Hart’s new album, Better Than Home, has a little bit of everything. There are slow ballads, there are upbeat tunes and there are soft melodies. The overarching introspective tone of the album forces itself upon you at times, making you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen.
Her powerful voice draws the listener in, but on this record she doesn’t make the mistake of overpowering the music itself. She strikes a perfect balance.
It’s clear that a lot of heart was put into Better Than Home. While the lyrics relate specifically to Hart’s personal struggles, the themes are universal and the record as a whole is relatable. There is pain behind a lot of the tracks, but there is also an overwhelming feeling of hope to go along with it.
It’s the kind of record you listen to when you’re feeling down on the world and need someone to lift you back up again. It’s inspired, it’s brave and it’s uplifting.
Better Than Homeby Beth Hart is out through Mascot/Warner.
