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Christy Hays Album Review: Drought

The debut album of Christy Hays sounds like anything but a first effort. Drought  is a fully formed piece of work that showcases strong songwriting, artful storytelling and truly beautiful songs. From Illinois to Alaska and Nashville to her now-home Austin, Hays has no doubt gathered wisdom and soul discoveries on her journeys and she shares them here in a no-nonsense record filled with strength and clarity.  Hays sounds and feels somewhat like a grittier, earthier and more in-depth Norah Jones.  But Hays affects you in places that Jones never could.  She sings from a secret corner of her soul, a place that reaches her heart wishes, disappointments and understanding of redemption. Every lyric is delivered in a strong and committed fashion. She rises and falls through her feelings, yet there is a steadiness inside of her that sounds out loud and clear. This is a voice you can depend on.

Drought is through and through a fantastic record. It’s hard to pick favorites here as all the tracks offer something unique. That said, ”You Don’t Have To Wait” might be it.  Or maybe  the captivating “Since You Left Me.” This song rings with heartache and the beautiful spaciousness and simplicity of the melody leave quite an impact.  Perhaps my favorite is in the twang that wiggles it’s way out in “Grocery Store Rose.” Ok, I’ll stop now before I list every song- that’s how much I love this record.

Hays states on her Reverbnation page,  “I sound like everything I’ve ever seen. I speak from the echoing chambers of my hope filled disillusionment. I want to be heard as more than a girl songwriter because there is a sexless grit behind my words and band. I want to move you.”

You move us, Christy. You really, really move us.

Listen to “Birds Point Levee”:

By Cassandra Olson

I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch.  You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” ~  Maya Angelou    

“Woman is the Wonder of the World.”  ~ Billy Joe Shaver                                                                           

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