Peggy James – Head Over Heels (2021)
Lying somewhere between Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton, we have the insatiable Peggy James. With her engaging and enthusiastic sound, James has featured on notable blogs like Roadie Music, YMX, FV Music Blog, Thoughts Words Action, Boulimique de Musique, and on several online radio stations. Her intoxicating brand of country meets rock with gospel undertones. Filled with entertaining melodies and vulnerable lyricism, James has a critically acclaimed discography with several albums and singles to her name. We are pleased to bring you more from this singer-songwriter with her track ‘Head Over Heels’.
One of the singles off her well-received album Paint Still Wet, ‘Head Over Heels’ is a soulful single showcasing Peggy James’s eclecticism and innovativeness. Beautifully layered, the tune incorporates dynamic guitars, steady drums and something I think is a keyboard adding an edgy attitude to the song. With a strong folk-influence, ‘Head Over Heels’ can be placed alongside Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen; however, there remains a distinct twist to the almost Americana track.
Touching on elements of love, lust, desire and yearning, ‘Head Over Heels’ exposes that sensation of being totally lost in romantic longing. Using a personal narrative, James effortlessly engages with people on a deeper level while retaining a conversational aloofness. Yet, while the vocals are eloquent, clear and sophisticated, her Midwestern lilt seems to charm the socks off a listener. Perhaps it is that stereotypical “niceness” we associate with Midwestern story-tellers…I don’t know, it just seems more intimate.
What I find most intriguing about ‘Head Over Heels’ is the Eric Clapton blues effect as the melody crescendos into catchy choruses. James may have the sweetness of a Shania Twain meets Faith Hill tone, but the lead guitar solo is overwhelming in its rock-influenced beauty. This is the edge, this is the attitude and this experimental approach is why I keep Peggy James on repeat.
For more from Peggy James check out her Facebook and Spotify.
