B.B. Cole’s sophomore album, Of Love and Loss, arrives as a soulful exploration of country and folk storytelling, delving deep into the heart’s toughest lessons. With her warm, unmistakable voice—an instrument that blends the sweetness of Dolly Parton with Loretta Lynn’s grit—Cole invites listeners into a world of nostalgic melodies and heartfelt narratives. If her debut Outgrowing Ourselves offered a glimpse of her artistry, this new album solidifies her status as a promising voice in country music, marrying the genre’s traditional roots with her own unique flair.
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Opening with the folksy ballad “(The Tale Of) Lady Primrose,” Cole showcases her gift for vivid, character-driven songwriting. This song’s lilting melody and bluesy rhythm pulls listeners into the story of a resilient woman, painted with a sense of wistfulness that sets the tone for the rest of the album. “Poor Beatrice” continues the theme of hardship and resilience with a toe-tapping beat that belies its lyrical depth—a striking contrast that Cole navigates effortlessly.
“Close At Hand” and “Wave of Love” are two of the album’s lighter moments. The former is a sweet, easygoing song with a powerful underbelly, while “Wave of Love” washes over you with a soothing melody and lyrics that seem to drift like a gentle tide. Both tracks reveal Cole’s knack for writing accessible, radio-ready tunes that still manage to hit on something genuine and relatable.
“The Lion and the Virgin” stands out as one of the album’s most evocative tracks. With a buoyant melody and an undercurrent of mystery, it’s a slow-burn tale of love and betrayal that feels both classic and deeply personal. This is followed by “The Sun Song,” which slows down the mood with its sultry vocals and yearning lyrics, adding a sensual interlude to the proceedings.
“A Stolen Heart” and “Pour Me A Drink” are some of Cole’s most introspective pieces. “A Stolen Heart “ is a somber reflection on heartbreak that showcases the full emotional range of her voice, while “Pour Me A Drink” leans into a barroom confessional vibe that Loretta Lynn would likely approve of. Then there’s “Over Before It Started,” featuring Lorae, where Cole’s vocal harmonies blend seamlessly, creating a layered duet that’s as beautiful as it is bittersweet.
The album’s final stretch kicks off with the assertive “She’s Not Gonna Do It,” a feisty anthem of self-respect that brims with syncopated energy, while “Hide and Seek” is an introspective, almost meditative song that feels like a late-night reflection on love’s complexities. Rounding things out is “Coffee Eyes,” a gentle closer that ties the album’s themes together with a sense of calm acceptance.
Not every song hits the same emotional heights; “Close At Hand,” while catchy, doesn’t quite reach the lyrical depth of some of the other tracks, feeling slightly like filler. Still, this is a minor misstep on an otherwise well-crafted album that highlights Cole’s versatility and command of the country-folk genre.
Of Love and Loss is a compelling showcase of B.B. Cole’s growth as a singer-songwriter. Each track offers its own unique flavor, making the album as eclectic as it is cohesive. Released on Viennese indie label Between Music and available in a beautifully designed limited-edition colored vinyl as well as compact disc and digital versions, Of Love and Loss is a must-listen for fans of modern country who crave authenticity wrapped in classic soundscapes.
Garth Thomas