michael Stovall - georgia

Michael Stovall

Georgia
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Michael Stovall is back with a full-length album called Georgia after his previous release Mercy, which we reviewed in October. For those unfamiliar with Stovall he is a refined songwriter/guitarist with a warm, inviting voice as well with the ability to write songs that spew with emotion. On top of that he records, mixes and masters his own material, which normally has detrimental effects but not in this case. Stovall obviously has experience in the studio, as the songs sound crisp and professional. 

Georgia is very much an extension of Mercy as Stovall delivers catchy, folk songs that go down smooth and are easy to appreciate. The majority of the songs on this album are rooted in melancholy and nostalgia but with that being said there is often a tinge of hope in the mix as well. 

Stovall kicks off the album with a tender tune entitled “Asleep At The Wheel,” which is one of the highlights of the album. The guitar riff is addictive and easy on the ears as it is combined with light percussion as well as a couple of other elements. Stovall’s vocals lie perfect in the mix as he sings “She came from California she had hair the color gold, she’s the one to remind me i look too young to be feeling so old.” The aptly named “All Good Things Fall Apart” is a straight up tearjerker. Stovall implements orchestral strings that serve as an atmospheric residue against the guitar. “House On The Horizon” felt like the biggest deviation on the album as Stovall manipulates his voice and veers away from folk and focuses on the blues. It’s a solid song although it felt a bit out of place amongst the majority of melancholy folk songs that make up the rest of the album (with the exception of “On & On”).

Stovall is a talent and the songs on this album come from the heart and it shines through on the recording. If there was ever an album to put on during a Sunday Morning with a cup of Joe this is it.