#108: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (2010)

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are in a state of constant reinvention. I was first introduced to Grace Potter when I heard "Apologies" off of her "This is Somewhere" album. That album had a much more folk / country rock type of feel. This is the follow up to that record, it's their third studio album and it absolutely rocks.

Paris (Ooh La La)
I still think this song should have done way better than it did. It rocks, it's catchy, and Grace Potter has some of the best female rock vocals I've ever heard. Granted, the lyrics aren't awe inspiring - but they're way better than everything else on pop radio this year. The Nocturnals provide an absolutely perfect rock setting for Grace Potter to perform over. It's one of my favorite rock/pop songs in the last ten years.


Medicine
I absolutely love the new direction of Grace Potter. This track in particular is incredibly catchy, it grooves so well. It's one of those songs that as soon as you hear it, you want to learn how to play it. The guitars find such a perfect blend of being catchy and rocking out. The harmonies are spot on, they're complementary to the melody, they help to carry the song, and they provide contrast to the guitars/drums.

Low Road
For me, this new style they've adopted is all about writing fun music. While I also enjoy their tracks that have a little more depth to them, it's things like the opening harmonies that totally grab me. While 'Medicine' and 'Paris' may be the stand out tracks on this album, the rest of it is a little more classic Grace Potter.

All in all, I really like the new direction they decided to take. The two singles are two of the best tracks Grace Potter has ever recorded. Those expecting the rest of the album to sound the same may be slightly disappointed, but those that listen to the full record will find good song writing and incredible vocals throughout. It's good to see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals gaining in popularity. Then again, when you look this good and you sound this good - it's hard for people not to notice.

Tomorrow's album: The Beatles' Rubber Soul.