Stevie Cornell – ‘Some Sweet Dream’ [Album Review]

Singer-songwriter Stevie Cornell released his new long player, Some Sweet Dream, not long ago. It follows on the heels of his 2022 self-titled solo debut, which saw him return to music after a long break from touring and recording.

During his almost half-century-long career, Cornell has played a cornucopia of styles, from ’70s punk rock to Americana, jazz, film music, electronica, country, rockabilly, and blues. His first Americana band, The Movie Stars, made waves on the West Coast. In the ’80s, he started another band, Red Meat, that played retro rockabilly.

Some Sweet Dream consists of twelve tracks, of which the following are recommended as entry points. The retro country twang of “Dark Are the Windows” carries listeners back to the ’40s flavours of Hank Williams.

The title track summons up memories of Ricky Nelson, blending savors of pop and country into a velvety melody highlighted by soft, dreamy harmonies and a crying steel guitar that oozes warm, romantic tones. Whereas “Drunkard’s Lullaby” channels George Jones and sets itself apart because of Cornell’s reaching-too-far falsetto that breaks with luscious quaking notes.

Stevie Cornell, photo courtesy of Stevie Cornell

Bopping on a bouncy rhythm topped by delicious rockabilly tangs, “Lying to Myself” is plain old fun to listen to and sing along with. Cornell’s vocals deliver sweetly infectious timbres, as well as charming forays into his distinctive falsetto.

The final two tracks on the album are especially first-class. “Where Do You Go from Here?” features gleaming, shimmering guitars and a silky melodic flow. While “One More Time” conjures up memories of Jimmie Rodgers because of Cornell’s buttery-smooth vocals.

Like a magnificent time machine, on Some Sweet Dream, Stevie Cornell returns to the soothing, retro landscapes of sumptuous music.

Some Sweet Dream Track Listing:

1. Better As A Memory
2. Courage
3. Dark Are The Windows
4. Some Sweet Dream
5. Settle Down
6. Drunkard’s Lullaby
7. My Black Cloud
8. Last Time I Count On You
9. Don’t Look Down
10. Lying To Myself
11. Where Do You Go from Here?
12. One More Time

Run Time: 38:51
Release Date: March 29, 2024
Record Label: Independent