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Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
2:50 PM 12th December 2014
arts

Album Review: Little Big Town

 
Little Big Town may have formed 16 years ago and released their eponymous début album 12 years ago, but their sound is still as fresh and fiery as it was when they first set-out on the road to superstardom.

Having recently been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and won awards at the CMTs, CMAs and Grammys, it could be said that Little Big Town are at the top of the game. Yet the vocally striking quartet have never been a troupe to rest on their laurels.

Rather than simply bask in the glory of the accolades, the troupe have concentrated on their output, with the year marking the release of their sixth studio album, Pain Killer. While the group are long past the point of sophomore album stresses, in such a key year for the group, can their latest material live up to the hype they have received as a result of all the adulation.

While many would bend and break as a result of the external pressure, Little Big Town have unveiled their finest album to date. While all five of their previous releases have showcased their vocal dexterity and hook-driven capabilities, Pain Killer shows that they are a real force to be reckoned with. A riotous ride, Pain Killer shows an understanding that while there is a need for power punch numbers, fans are also wanting to see the softer side of the group.



Having kicked off their album campaign with the cheesily anthemic 'Day Drinking', Little Big Town clearly have an awareness that they have huge potential if they play to a poppier audience. While 'Day Drinking' invites a new party to the table, it simply teases the audience into an understanding that good Country is best delivered without the need for pop sacrifice.

Although there are brief moments of pop crossover found hidden inside infectious choruses, fans will be relieved to know that Little Big Town aren't about to swiftly jump ship.

As a band who are known for the vocal strength, Pain Killer allows each member of the group a time to show off their own unieuq angle. While there is no denying that all four members - Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet - boast to die for voices, it is Fairchild who shines the brightest.

Showing that it is the emotional connection to her lyrical content that matters, Fairchild explodes on the scorned woman storytelling of 'Things You Don't Think About', while she shows a playful teasing capacity on the rather sweet 'Girl Crush'.

Pain Killer shows that Little Big Town have finally learnt how to play the game. With each of their albums having shown a growth in their sound set, Pain Killer shows that the formula need not be paint by numbers. With their latest album, Little Big Town show that they are ready to play the game on their own terms.