Susannah B – ‘POV’ [Album Review]

Singer-songwriter Susannah B has released her lush new album, POV, produced by Susannah and Michael Farrell, who has worked with Alanis Morissette, Macy Gray, and Morrissey.

Discussing the album’s title, Susannah says, “I called the album ‘POV’ because I’m now openly celebrating my age, feeling blessed to stand in solidarity with other late bloomers and to have enjoyed such a diverse career, with time off in between phases to become a devoted mom.”

She goes on, “As we age, we have different ways of looking at things, and a song can mean something very different at various points in the journey. The concept of ‘POV’ also refers to the way different people can experience the same thing, but their individual points of view cause them to have different reactions to the shared experience. That fascinates me, and I spend a lot of time thinking about how I consciously choose to see the world.”

The rest of the musicians on POV include longtime members of Morissette’s band: drummer Victor Indrizzo (Avril Lavigne, Brandi Carlile), upright and electric bassist Sean Hurley (John Mayer), guitarist David Levita (Faith Hill, Tim McGraw), and saxophonist Sal Lozano (Lady Gaga, John Legend).

Encompassing eight tracks, entry points include Susannah’s deliciously soft, shimmering rendition of Billy Joel’s “Vienna.” The slightly breathy, polished timbres of Susannah’s vocals imbue the lyrics with low-slung, wistful flavours.

A personal favourite because of its gentle, Poco-like harmonic flow, “Be All Right” blends tangs of Americana and SoCal soft rock into a captivating tune, dripping with compassion, highlighted by radiant harmonies.

Susannah B, photo by MEENO

The luscious, sleazy, bluesy feel of “I Got Lucky” rides a funky rhythm as Susannah struts her dark, smoky voice. “It’s Alright to Cry,” a song written by Susannah’s mother, renowned Broadway composer/lyricist Carol Hall, travels on a swaying rhythm topped by brass accents. Susannah’s vocals reveal various colours, ranging from light and tender to darker, coaxing tones.

Akin to a mystical nursery rhyme, “My Time Now” opens POV, offering drifting, chiming pop surfaces topped by the pastel lustre of Susannah’s warm voice.

Overflowing with myriad moments of charming sonic splendour, POV offers a bewitching interplay between the blues and Neo-Americana.

POV Track Listing:

1. ​My Time Now
2. Talkin’ to Myself
3. Be All Right
4. Vienna
5. Small Change
6. Secrets & Lies
7. It’s Alright To Cry
8. I Got Lucky

Run Time: 30:19
Release Date: September 8, 2024
Record Label: Independent