Fooled Again is the latest album from Teresa Eggertsen Cooke, a Utah-based singer, songwriter and pianist. I’ve listened to a lot of Americana and rock music in my time, but it’s always refreshing to hear an artist who isn’t afraid to try something new with the genre. And that’s exactly what Cooke does on her latest record. From the opening moments of “Big Dreams,” the album opener, it’s clear that this is going to be an uplifting, yet introspective collection of music. A story both thoughtful and fun. The jangly, twanging guitar serves as a backdrop to Cooke’s fragile, yet powerful voice. It’s a beautiful song with a soothing melody, and yet, as I said, there’s something upbeat and dance-worthy about it. At times, her vocals even seem reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, and I really can’t think of a better way to praise her.
“Circle” is a mesmerizing song that captivates the senses with its intricate composition. The delicate piano plinks delicately weave together in a mesmerizing arpeggio, gradually building up to an awe-inspiring chorus. The inclusion of powerful, resonating drums and pristine, expansive guitar amplifies the track’s intensity, striking a perfect balance between a thunderous wall of sound and serene, intimate verses. Cooke’s remarkable vocals continue to astound, leaving an indelible impression on the listener.
There’s always such a fragility to it, and yet she manages to carry such strength; this is particularly impressive during the choruses, which are loud, venue-filling climaxes. And, of course, it’s worth mentioning the titular track on Cooke’s newest album. What a pleasant breath of fresh air. A jazzy masterpiece driven by funky, delicious trumpet riffs and lightly-brushed drumming. The Joni Mitchell influence is there again, but there’s a unique style to Cooke’s songwriting and performance. There’s an intimacy to her singing and polished, crystal-clear aesthetic to the production. The piano always sounds so crisp. It’s a treat for the ears.
“The Last Day” serves as a poignant finale to an extraordinary album, leaving a profound impact on the listener’s heart. It showcases Cooke’s exceptional prowess as a pianist, surpassing all expectations. It’s not just the songwriting that shines, but also the profound connection between his tender vocals and the delicate piano melodies. As the beat intensifies, Cooke’s vocals reach new heights of harmonization, evoking a genuine sense of satisfaction and amplifying the emotional depth of the track.
It’s the piano melody, as I said, that really brings this track together for me though. It’s got a somber quality that sets it apart from the other songs on the album, but I love that Cooke still has surprises up her sleeve at the end of the record. A fantastic closer.
Overall, I was very impressed by Cooke and found this to be a near perfect album that can be put on in almost any situation. The artist brings together a lot of different elements which make this an engaging and cohesive release. I for one became a fan and would love to see some of these songs performed live.. I’m certainly looking forward to her next release. Two thumbs up.
Zachary Rush