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"Accidentally on Purpose" is the third full length studio album by British country music duo The Shires. It was released on 20th April 2018 on the Decca label.
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The album opens with the uptempo The Hard Way, which sets the template for much of the record. It’s full of claps and snaps, with the nostalgic lyrics contrasting the upbeat melody. Ben and Crissie’s vocals blend together nicely and I like the playful touches when she sings ‘I’m fine’ in the second verse – it’s a different take on the call-and-answer approach used elsewhere and works very well.
The mix of pop influences and country elements runs through the record, particularly on the summery, twangy Echo (which wouldn’t sound out of place as a Eurovision entry) and defiant lead single Guilty, with its rocky guitars, singalong chorus and wailing sirens in the background. However, The Shires have always been strong on their ballads and that’s still on show here, such as the wistful Sleepwalk which brings out a slightly soulful edge to Crissie’s otherwise sweet voice, the sparse Ahead Of The Storm with its driving rhythm and folky influences, and the dreamy, romantic Speechless
Overall Accidentally On Purpose shows that The Shires are embracing a different sound but without messing too much with the aspect fans loved from their previous albums. It’s an enjoyable album with plenty for fans to enjoy and a relaxed vibe throughout. However, for me I felt that there was a little less emotional impact than I’d been hoping for, particularly on the slower songs, and I would have liked a few more upbeat moments. But if you’re looking for a country-pop album to soundtrack a sunny summer’s day, then this is worth a listen.
Reviewed by Laura Cooney for entertainment-focus.com.
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