Dori Freeman follows-up her self-titled 2016 debut with Letter Never Read – a compilation of love songs based off of stories from her past. Letters Never Read was produced by Teddy Thompson and includes guest appearances by Richard Thompson, Aoife O’Donovan, guitarist Neil Casal, and Kacy & Clayton. This album sounds a bit different than the first, with simple arrangements and a more upbeat vibe, yet Freeman’s timeless, honeyed vocals still take center stage, bolstering her songwriting style and Appalachian music influences. Standout tracks include: the Richard Thompson cover “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight”; the lovely opening track, “If I Could Make You My Own”; the beautiful love song “Cold Waves”; the slightly lounge noir track “Turtle Dove”; an a cappella song about an unfriendly dog penned by her grandfather “Ern & Zorry’s Sneakin’ Bitin’ Dog”; the more traditional “Over There”; and an interesting cover of Jim Reeves’ “Yonder Comes a Sucker.” No sophomore slump here. In fact, Freeman continues to raise the bar with her music leaving the listener wanting more. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Iris DeMent, Kacey Musgraves, The Secret Sisters, Amanda Shires, Sara Watkins