BY LESLEY HASTINGS

Artwork credit Agata Helena

It was a miserable Monday and I’d just dried myself and my three dogs after a soggy walk when my lovely postman delivered a ray of sunshine in the form of the debut album from Savannah Gardner, released this Friday 27th September via Heart and Gravel Records.

To be more accurate it was nine rays of sunshine, for each song on “Recovering Good Girl“ put a massive smile on my face, from the opening title track/lead single, Savannah’s middle finger to towing the patriarchal line (a gutsy write delivered with appropriate attack, read my full review here https://countrylowdown.com/2024/07/29/savannah-gardner-recovering-good-girl-single-review/ ) to the perfectly placed, pensive closer “Heartbreak River”.

Themes of determination, independence and empowerment weave a thread throughout the well structured track list, with Savannah having writing credits on each song, the majority being solo writes … and like all the best country songwriters, she paints pictures with her words. Add to that her distinctive voice that pays homage to her Californian roots and Savannah has the ability to take the listener with her on her journey, be it on one of the album’s uptempo, honky tonk songs (“High Desert Memory” among my favourites) or some of its gorgeous ballads including “Heaven Is A Feeling”, a song of gratitude for the simple things in life which thankfully avoids the trap of being over-sentimental. And what about this wonderful post-break up write “Wildfire” (remember how I told you about her painting pictures?)

Always writing in the first person, Savannah’s inspiration seems to frequently come from personal thoughts and experiences, but one major exception to this is the track “Lone Rider” which draws on the story of Belle Starr, a feisty American outlaw from the 1800s . “I’ll send convention straight to hell” we hear, with Belle also describing how she’ll be “loosening all my laces out of this corset prison“ … she and Savannah seem to have a lot in common!

Having seen Savannah perform the majority of the album’s songs live in recent months, both with and without her brilliant band who feature on the album, I was intrigued to hear the studio versions and absolutely love how the arrangements throughout are really varied and individually tailored to each song to perfectly capture their respective “feel”. The addition of harmonies and background vocals, plus some fun and unexpected effects enhance the listening experience … production credits are shared but the majority go to the legendary Dale Davis, best known for his work alongside Amy Winehouse. “City of Cowboys” , the song that first brought Savannah to my attention with its message to follow your dreams whatever life throws at you, is possibly my favourite track (one I can definitely relate to!) but honestly, each is a gem in its own way. Or as I described them earlier, a ray of sunshine.

As an independent artist, Savannah was heavily involved with every aspect of this release while continuing to play an insane number of live shows, and this is an impressive debut album in every way from an artist who is definitely trailblazing her own way.

Let’s see where this exciting ride takes her … I’m confident her journey is only just beginning and we are fortunate this force of nature has chosen to make her home here in the UK.

More artist information at https://savannahgardner.com/

Of course the album will be available on all platforms release day !

“Recovering Good Girl“ Track List (all writing credits Savannah Gardner unless shown)

1. Recovering Good Girl

2. Lone Rider (Savannah Gardner/Sharon Vaughn/Lea McMahon/ Dale Davis/ Richard Downing )

3. Wildfire

4. Home Again

5. Tomorrow I’ll Be Free

6. Heaven Is A Feeling

7. City of Cowgirls

8. High Desert Memory (Savannah Gardner/Sharon Vaughn)

9. Heartbreak River