With some of her songs featuring on films and television shows such as Hart of Dixie, there's a chance that you may have heard Shantell Ogden before.If not, you can start with her fifth studio album, The Road That Drives Me, which is out today.
Shantell is an award winning songwriter and it is evident throughout the record. Production on this album is very much minimal and that's perfectly fine. The tracks still feel incredibly raw, packed with emotion, conviction and, at times, vulnerability. The latter is especially true on second-to-last track, 'Love Again' as Ogden ponders if she will ever find someone who will fix her broken heart.
'Different Sides of the Mississippi' is a real stand out, a slow and heartbreaking number about the gradual drifting apart between two lovers. On the other hand, 'Feels Good to Get It Right' proves that the album is not all heartbreak as it is a lighter, happier tune about how great life can be when the stars do align.
One word to describe this album best would be honesty as Ogden pours her heart out and into this album. With eight tracks The Road That Drives Me is a little on the short side but definitely leaves you wanting more.
The Road That Drives Me is available now. For further information on Shantell visit shantellogden.com.
