A singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist from Nashville, Hannah Wicklund has just released her second album The Prize on Flatiron Recordings. It is a varied, emotionally raw and soulful record and a step away from the straight between the eyes, earthy rock of her 2018 debut, Hannah Wicklund & The Stepping Stones.

It features Greta Van Fleet duo Sam Kiszka on bass, keys, organ and production and Daniel Wagner on drums, and their Classic Rock proclivities shine through on a few tracks – especially on the atmospheric “Hell In The Hallway” with its moody guitars and strong vocals. “Hide and Seek” is another such number, with its effective loud/quiet dynamic, Hannah’s soaring vocals and excitable guitar solo certainly striking a chord.

“Dark Passenger” is a potent rocker with perhaps the best use of the loud/quiet dynamic, going from light, jazz like blues to a wall of guitars and pounding drums. 

Hannah spent time molding the tracks here, and this care and attention has resulted in a textured, softer album. There is the minimalist bluesy shuffle and soul baring, low self esteem of “Intervention”. “Lost Love” is a miasma of lush, folk melodies and touching lyrics about lovers gone by and the good and bad times that were had.

“Can’t Get Enough”, with its rootsy rock guitars, lovesick words and mournful strings, is an charmingly melancholic and changeable ballad. Indeed, when it comes to ballads, the centerpiece is the simple yet effective “Song Bird Sing”, which needs no more than a gentle guitar and Hannah’s powerful vocals.

Although, as the mournful, orchestral title track and the big sweeping ballad “Sun To Sun” shows, there can be a tendency to overdo things in an attempt to tug at the heartstrings. 

The young singer-songwriter’s second album is an accomplished collection of blues, pop and rock with plenty of heart and powerful vocals, all done to a high level polish. 

Buy the album here:
https://linktr.ee/hannahwicklund 

7 / 10 

THOMAS THROWER