Lissie - Back To Forever (2013) VBR

Lissie - Back To Forever

Year 2013

Tracks
1. The Habit 4:10
2. Further Away 4:21
3. Shameless 3:21
4. They All Want You 4:00
5. Sleepwalking 4:14
6. I Don't Wanna Go to Work 3:42
7. Mountaintop Removal 5:18
8. Love in the City 3:15
9. I Bet on You 4:33
10. Cold Fish 3:39
11. Can't Take It Back 3:30
12. Back to Forever 3:49

have to admit that while I remember that at the time I liked Lissie's debut album, I can't really remember any songs from it (went back and listened to it for this review). I don't think I'll have that problem with this album though. It's like Lissie took all the good from her debut, and spiked it with bolder instrumentation and even better crafted hooks. This album is right on trend with hints of 70s and 80s rock like Tom Petty or Aerosmith with a healthy channeling of Stevie Nicks, wrapped up in a bright upbeat pop/folk/rock package.
Lissie's not the most witty or poetic lyricist, but what she lacks in originality--she makes up for in earnestness and a willingness to just lay it all out there. The music on this album is bold and is much better vehicle for her emotions than her more muted and acoustic debut album. The drums and groove to "Shameless" manage to convey a sense of youthful rebellion which Lissie pairs with the admirable declaration that: "I don't want to be famous/If I got to be shameless." "Sleepwalking" is one of my favorites with a much more chill vibe and totally relaxed chorus that you will just want to sink into like a favorite recliner. "What It's Like" and "I Bet On You" are other standout tracks.