It begins with the soothing ballad, “The Strangers,” which features traditional, acoustic instrumentation and Bradley’s calming voice. She is able to dust off the Gin Blossoms hit, “Til I Hear it from You,” and make it her own. The title track ballad “Pocket Full of Keys,” which another noteworthy tune that features Bradley’s warm storytelling ability. “Ain’t it Funny” is a witty and sassy recording.
It is followed by the haunting “Rachel Pack Your Sunday Clothes” and the gentle “Hard Lesson Road.” “Talking to the Moon” is an upbeat and catchy melody, that is worthy of the repeat button on one’s CD or mp3 player.
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” is the ideal hymn, where Bradley accompanies herself on acoustic guitar and a voice that sends chills down one’s spine. “Soldiers, Lovers, and Dreamers” contains a neat fiddle solo, and “Sweetheart of the Pines” is a song that people can sing along to. Bradley showcases her vulnerability on “I’m So Afraid of Losing You Again,” and “I’ll Live on Somewhere” features strong male backing vocals and an exquisite fiddle solo.
The Verdict
Overall, Dale Ann Bradley is a musical treasure and this new album speaks volumes of her talent as a singer, songwriter and song stylist. She has done it again: released a fantastic CD with no filler tracks. She deserves to reclaim the 2015 title “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the upcoming International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards this winter, especially since she proves to be the genre’s most gifted female artist. Pocket Full of Keys garners 5 out of 5 stars.
For more information on Dale Ann Bradley and her new CD, check out her official website.
