Gina Villalobos - Miles Away

Although her debut album Rock 'n' Roll Pony garnered rave reviews, Gina Villalobos' sophomore outing Miles Away is still a massive step forward. Nine original tracks make up Miles Away, plus an intruiging cover of the Yvonne Elliman hit If I Can't Have You.

Perhaps as a result of the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of Gina's sight in one eye, the songs on this collections seem to be more world-weary and mature. The vocals are again magnificent in all their hoarse, gritty glory, and the backing is again very much guitar-driven, with a touch of keyboards and pedal steel to reinforce the country twang that is ever-present.

Let’s Fall Apart probably demonstrates Villalobos' songwriting skills more than any other cut on the album, and shows exactly how alt.country traditions can be mixed with down-the-line rock 'n' roll.

Miles Away can be recommended without hesitation to anyone who enjoys earthy, smoky vocals steeped in guitar-based country rock. But listen beyond the powerhouse vocals and driving arrangements, and you will find a sensitive songwriter who has developed and improved beyond measure since her comparatively recent debut.

Track Listing :

• Miles Away
• Hard Enough
• Don't Let Go
• If I Can't Have You
• Face On The Sheets
• Let's Fall Apart
• Don't Defeat Me
• Somewhere To Lay Down
• Tied To My Side
• Somebody Save Me