Sarah Rose
Phantom Power Music Blog
Bouncing tracks from Nash to the UK
Those of us on this side of the pond tend to forget just how big the music scene is in the UK, outside of London. Case in point, Sarah Rose, a native of UK’s South Coast who studied at Peter Symonds College, Winchester as well as City University London. She cut her teeth playing acoustic sets in London but is back in her home region of the South Coast, where the stages, festivals, clubs and genres are as thick as that region’s history.
“How to Love a Girl” was recorded in both Nashville and the UK. It kicks off with a great banjo riff and a vibe that is right in the modern lane. Melody rises as the bass line descends. Pre-chorus sets up the tension well and the drums come in on the chorus with a soft but sturdy statement of packing her bags and starting over. It’s a confident presentation musically that is echoed in the lyrics. The 3rd line of the chorus sets up the release well with a 6-, 5, 2- progression that releases into main phrase, “How to Love a Girl.”
Production and mix are solid – leaving plenty of space for all parts. The background vocals are a great addition, reminding us of cuts by the likes of Martina McBride, Faith Hill and Reba. This is a great song of empowerment for any woman starting over, knowing they’re right in the decision to leave the man who can’t love.
Other songs she’s released (My Oxygen, On My Page, Don’t Wanna Fight) have a pop feel, reminiscent of the artists she’s drawn from in the past – Jewel, Sia and Imogen Heap. She’s got the vocal and writing chops to cover both genres so this isn’t a stretch. It’s easy to see why “How to Love a Girl” has been getting lots of spins and streams out of the UK and EU, this is a solid track from a qualified artist. It would be great to see her play it at the Opry one day – it’s a dream of hers to hit that stage with Chris Stapleton. We think she’s got a decent chance.
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