Natalie Hemby
Puxico
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
You may not recognize her name, but there’s no doubt you’ve heard the smash hits she’s helped to co-write. Think Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” or Miranda Lambert’s latest LP, The Weight of These Wings, and Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need a Drink.”
Somehow, she’s been able to remain out of the spotlight, but now, Natalie Hemby, one of Nashville’s most sought after songwriters, is emerging loudly with her incredible solo debut, Puxico.
Puxico is a roots-based record with elements of bluegrass, traditional country, folk, and Americana that celebrates the roots of music. The 9-song collection opens with “Time Honored Tradition,” a track that opens with rhythmic guitar strumming layered over Hemby’s simple vocals as she sings “..looking for a time honored tradition / where the memories are made / and the stories don’t change / time honored tradition / so pull up a chair and listen / to the legendary days..”
Actually, Puxico isn’t Hemby’s hometown, but a small town she frequented with her grandfather when she was younger, so it does hold a sentimental place in her heart.
Hemby shows off her songwriting skills on “Ferris Wheel” as she sings “…Just when you think you know when it ends / it turns you in circles / back to the beginning again / sometimes what you’re afraid of / is what’s going to take you there / and the view is better when it’s all up in the air…”
“This Town Still Talks About You” is heart wrenching and beautiful song about her granddad that still maintains a presence in town despite being gone. “…Granddad, you used to work summers as a checkout clerk / at the IGA / walk down the high school halls / your picture’s on the walls / in a trophy case / and all those jokes you’d tell / they’re alive and well / down at the barbershop / I guess you hung around / something to talk about / and I hope it never stops…”
There’s no doubt that Hemby is an incredible songwriter; but she’s no longer just a songwriter. She’s an artist. Natalie Hemby has the whole package to be successful and Puxico is just the beginning.
Rating: Iconic
