After a few years away from the limelight and the Dixie Chicks, sisters Emily Robinson and Martie Maguire were ready to get back in the studio with the creation of Court Yard Hounds. Amelita, out now, marks the Court Yard Hounds’ second album. “We’re a band, not a side project. We like our sound, and we’re going to continue to do this, and share something new this time around.” Emily couldn’t be more clear about the game plan for the Court Yard Hounds the group she and her sister head up. Containing 11 new tracks, Robinson and Maguire took a different approach with Amelita than their debut album in 2010. This album contains a new perspective, which is due in part to the time passed since Robinson’s divorce. “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robinson. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun.” The Court Yard Hounds’ new album is a clear statement of who the girls are as artists, defining their sound as a band, with soaring songs that are personal, yet familiar and widely relatable. “I love this band… the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people,” says Martie. “We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.”
I think my favorite song from the album is the lead track, Sunshine. It comes across as a happy track but if you pay attention to the lyrics it is about someone who “always finds a way to bring me down when I feel fine” and puts a negative spin on everything – so they call this person “Sunshine”. Other favorites include The World Smiles, Rock All Night, and Watch Your Step. I never really followed the Dixie Chicks when they were big but I did know that Emily and Martie had started a new group. I didn’t really follow or pay attention to them, but Amelita is a solid album. After a couple of listens, there aren’t any songs that I would skip (although that may change with a few more listens) and there are a few songs that I am enjoying much, much more than I ever would have expected with a country album. (I know, I know, I have to stop saying I don’t like country one of these days!)
Tracklist:
Sunshine
Amelita
The World Smiles
Aimless Upward
Guy Like You
Rock All Night
Phoebe
Divided
Gets You Down
Watch Your Step
The Road You Take
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I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.