Skylar Rogers – Among The Insanity
12 tracks – 49 minutes
Skylar Rogers, a resilient artist with a gripping personal narrative, bares her soul in "Among The Insanity," a blues album that delves deep into the emotional highs and lows of life. Hailing from the challenging neighborhoods of Chicago, Rogers faced hardships ranging from divorce and military service to the loss of a child, truck driving, and homelessness. Yet, through the storm, she found solace in music and faith, eventually relocating to Memphis, where she discovered a renewed sense of purpose in the rich vocal heritage of the region.
The album, her third overall and second on Blue Heart Records, is an intimate collaboration with Terry Wilson, who co-wrote eleven of the twelve tracks and produced the record. With Rogers describing her music as "soul-rockin' blues," the album is a testament to the healing power of music and a celebration of resilience and self-discovery.
"Love in the Left Lane" kicks off the album with Rogers' whiskey-soaked vocals declaring feminine power. The track sets the tone for a journey through love, loss, and self-empowerment. The title track, "Among The Insanity," explores the aftermath of a broken relationship, with poignant guitar work amplifying the underlying pain.
"One Last Kiss" takes a softer approach, with Rogers delivering a poignant poem pondering the end of a relationship. The swamp-soaked "Ride That Lightning" showcases Rogers as a force of nature, warning of an impending storm and embracing the intensity of emotions. "Blame It On Rock & Roll" is a spirited declaration that reflects on past mistakes, accompanied by Bennett's driving piano.
"When It's Broken" is a contemplative ballad where Rogers looks back at a failed romance, and "Step It Up" introduces a honky-tonk beat with a demand for a worthy partner. "Both Sides of The Tale" is a narrative exploration cautioning against hasty judgments, complemented by Darrell Leonard's jazzy trumpet on "Between Friends."
"Femininity" sees Rogers reclaiming her identity, turning back time and asserting her autonomy. "The Water" brings a joyful, bouncy tune, offering an escape to a happy place where troubles are washed away. The album concludes with "Apology Not Accepted," a quiet ballad where Rogers rejects being minimized and stands tall in her self-worth.
"Among The Insanity" is a profoundly emotional journey, reflecting Rogers' tumultuous past and the strength found in facing life's challenges. Skylar Rogers' soulful vocals, backed by Terry Wilson's collaborative production and the skilled musicianship of the band, create an album that resonates with authenticity. Each track is a chapter in Rogers' compelling story, and the result is a blues experience that feels genuine, relatable, and, ultimately, empowering.
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