Album: Adam Harbison – Shades of Green

We return to our roots with the in Nashville-mastered album ‘Shades of Green’ by musician and singer-songwriter Adam Harbison. This very infectious collection of country songs is one we could easily listen to over and over again. Its warm intro comes in the form of single ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ and instantly sets the right mood for the rest of the album. 

Single ‘Humble Pie’ follows up its fast paced predecessor and builds on soft vocals and a more unhurried soundscape, ‘Humble Pie’ takes on the expression in a playful way and encourages people to lighten up and not take themselves too seriously. This message is strengthened by its uplifting guitar lines and soft soundscape. From a light-hearted sound into a more serious and heart wrenching one we continue with single ‘Illusion of Love’. This soft and melodic soundscape translates the feeling of heartbreak and wanting to be lonely yet needing someone by our sides. On ‘Illusion of Love’, Adam translates the heart sinking feeling of losing a loved one and drags his audience into his world, supporting those feeling the same way through his comforting lyricism.

On ‘Like Honey’, Adam slowly picks up the pace again, bringing a softer and more positive tone back to the album, his soulful sound feeling like a warm blanket, sounding familiar yet still unknown. Harbison’s lyrics make us feel like his songs have been written for ourselves, personalised to conundrums we have found ourselves in. The song is a tasteful and slowly building folk country song and acts as the perfect bridge between the song before and after it. ‘What Could’ve Been’ brings a smile to our face, despite the fact that we can’t always make out its lyrics. Another slow burner is single ‘Replay’, followed by subtly optimistic and refreshing song ‘Spending Time With You’, the album is filled with love, honest stories and the pain that comes with loving deeply.

‘My Love Letter Goodbye’ is potentially its most commercial one, with a more pop-infused intro, after which it slowly transcends into a soft and bluesy soundscape. An almost Elvis-esque vocal delivery pleasantly surprises on the before last song on the album ‘Knoxville Violets’, after which we build towards the end of ‘Shades of Green’. Adam Harbison has truly created an experience, a story made up of chapters that are ever surprising, at times uplifting, and at times raw and filled with emotion. ‘When The Train Leaves The Station’ isn’t the ending we had hoped, being slow paced and emotive, but Adam’s warm and rough voice brings some colour to the mix, and the song builds on a soothing sound that makes us feel like we aren’t alone in feeling left behind. The guitar play on this is potentially our favourite on the entire ten track counting album, and with all songs being connected to one another Adam Harbison has truly presented us with a high quality first album!

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