ALBUM REVIEW: Kelleigh Bannen “Cheap Sunglasses”

Kelleigh Bannen has been one of my favorite artists to follow for the past few years. I first heard of her on Sirius XM’s “The Highway” and love when Storme Warren has her in the studio for interviews. After one of her interviews, I tweeted that she just makes you want to be her best friend – to which she replied “Awww thanks! Let’s be bffs!” Well, my bff released a new EP called “Cheap Sunglasses” on Friday and you’re going to want to download it immediately. As I listen to it, I think I have decided on my favorite song, then the next one comes on and I just can’t decide. All 5 songs are great!

Welcome to the Party

“Welcome to the Party” is a fun, upbeat song about joining a club of heartbroken people. Fun and upbeat are the last thing you think of when you hear “heartbroken,” but Bannen makes it work. It’s a very catchy song that makes you want to dance along immediately.

“Welcome to the party, ‘bout time you stopped by. No, we ain’t gonna judge ya, and it’s ok, yeah it’s ok to cry. Welcome to the freak show. It’s come as you are. Yeah it’s bring your own beer, bring your own heartache,  everybody’s here, welcome to the party.”

 Landlocked

If you’re on the search for a summer time anthem, look no further… “Landlocked” is thankfully something this Florida girl doesn’t have to relate to. However, if I were landlocked, Bannen makes it not seem so bad… Put this song on, turn the volume up, and join the neighborhood for a pool party.

“Idaho to Tennessee. Oklahoma, I know you feel me. Landlocked, and it’s damn hot. We can build a sandbox in the back of a truck in the parking lot. When life don’t give you waves, you spike some lemonade. Get all tank top & flip flop, everybody on the block is landlocked…”

 Cheap Sunglasses

 The title track is more of a bluesy track in which Bannen sounds flawless. She is telling a guy that she’s not going to be his “Cheap Sunglasses” – something that is easily thrown away. She tells him what she will be, and lists more memorable and lasting things.

“I’m not gonna be your cheap sunglasses. Just a summer thing ‘til it falls out of fashion, so easy to break, just throw away. Whatever happens, happens… I’m not gonna be your cheap sunglasses.”

 Once Upon A

Bannen’s impressive vocals really showcase themselves in “Once Upon A.” I think I’ve decided that this is my favorite track, not only because of how amazing Bannen sounds, but I honestly love the lyrics. Hearing the words “once upon a” obviously makes you think of fairytales, and this song shows how all fairytale memories have to start somewhere – even things as simple as a kiss under a streetlight.

“Hey, you’re moving fast but you’re forgiven. Stay, every memory has a beginning. This is us, this is now, starts tonight, don’t know how – just know I wanna start a little once upon a…”

All Good Things

It may be a cliché, but it’s true that the best things in life are free. “All Good Things” reminds us of this… Bannen sings of sunsets, saving your good sense for tomorrow, wasting as much time as you can borrow, being wild, crazy & free. Live your life for today, and love as hard as you can.

“Cause all good things are wild and free. You’re the fire in my veins, I’m a runaway train, and together we’re crazy. All good things are wild and free, no it don’t cost nothin’ but your kiss is so money, so baby lay it on me.”

 I can honestly say that I love every song on this album. Bannen’s infectious personality & vocal prowess shine through each track. Be sure to download “Cheap Sunglasses” – you will not regret it. It’s a perfect summer time, feel good album.

Check out Kelleigh on social media as well – like I said earlier, she’s one of my favorites to follow!

Facebook: Kelleigh Bannen

Twitter & Instagram: @kelleighbannen

Snapchat: @kelleigh_bannen

Blog: www.thisnashvillelife.com

Website: www.kelleighbannen.com

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