For lovers of country music, Little Big Town’s CD Tornado is one to add to the collection. Still floating on their two wins at the 2012 CMA Awards, Single of the Year for their hit Pontoon and Vocal Group of the Year, knocking off Lady Antebellum from their three year winning streak, Little Big Town is shaking things up. Review by April Lewis
It began in February when the group arrived at the recording studio, searching for a different way to present themselves in their music. With the draft of a new producer Jay Joyce, the band worked in a whirlwind of rehearsals and recorded Tornado in one month. For “avowed perfectionists” Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, known for their trademark four-part harmonies, this process of shaking things up included giving the recording sessions a live performance feel. Joyce encouraged the performers to take out reason and record with feeling as they would in front of a live audience.
In the recording session of Tornado, Little Big Town used their road band to keep the feeling organic and relaxed. The band also made a conscious decision to include different writers in the creative process. The album’s first single was a light-hearted, sexy summertime party hit called Pontoon and was recently nominated for a Grammy. With fun songs being the main focus, the album also features other party songs called Pavement Ends and On Fire Tonight.
The title song Tornado is a powerful tune which female vocalist Fairfield sings a lyric threatening to “toss it [the house] in the air and put it in the ground/Make sure you’re never found” to her cheating man. Sound track Self Made portrays the band’s working mantra, a forceful testament the challenges Little Big Town have faced in the entertainment industry. Lyrics “Live and die by the chance we’re taking/Money don’t buy the life we are making” show their true passion for music and their life as performing artists.
Little Big Town is out touring the album with show dates scheduled through October 2013. With renewed attention and popularity, this dynamic group known for their harmonies and multiple lead vocals will be one to watch in 2013.