This one is out on Friday October 24 on all platforms. I’m quite excited to be reviewing this as I have high expectations. We know Laura Evans here at Rock the Joint Magazine having chatted to her a couple of times and this is a review I jumped on – I do the country here, hands off lol (it could have gone to my colleague Stevie as Laura is country/blues). Aside from that, I need to cheer up as I have been struggling with an awful cold for several days. I’ve been hitting it with Lemsip maximum cold and flu tablets (other brands available!), but it has made me feel tired and out of sorts. So I need an up beat album with plenty of country sass and I know just the person to deliver it.
The press release tells me:
Laura’s having a breakout 2025 with BBC Radio 2 showing consistent support, including spins from Cerys Matthews and Owain Wyn Evans as her previous single ‘Honest’ made it into their C-List in early September, plus additional praise from Scott Mills on the Breakfast Show. Alongside the R2 support, Laura has also made an interview appearance on Gaby Roslin’s show for BBC London and was the first guest for ‘Live at Your Local’ hosted by BBC Radio Wales.
Her sophomore album release will be followed by her biggest UK headline tour in November including London’s Omeara on Nov 30th.
“I poured my heart and soul into this album,” Laura shares. “There are big pop chorus’ introspective bluesy ballads, a southern rock edge and even a dreamy interlude, It’s a little bit of everything I love, tied together with honesty. I worked with some amazing co-writers on this album who really pushed me both with my writing and vocals and I feel these are some of my best songs to date.”
My Review:
“Wherever You Are” – This one gets my country boots on and has me dancing along to the opener. A kind of dance friendly country rocker this one, you can’t listen to it sitting down. This one belongs on festival stages or maybe as you are in the gym and have your ear pods in. A very good opener, great start.
“Superman” was released back in August and reviewed for us by Stevie. She said about it “Laura tells us she wasn’t in need of saving but she’s ready to take his hand and just fly away. The song has an upbeat country rock feel, a strong bass feel and plenty of positivity right through it.” I have just listened to it for the first time, it is a slower beat than the opener, but uplifting and positive, a track for the airwaves for sure.
“Honest” is an album number, infused with a power drum beat and rhythm.It is more of a late night listen, not quite as immediate as the opening two, but the chorus is pleasant and Laura performs some vocal switches that work nicely. The problem for this track is it gets a bit lost between other tracks that grab you more.
“ATM” is the new single I think. It’s a big number on the album and it’s damn good. There is a video that goes with it and it’s a lot of fun. Let’s face it, this is commercial country pop built for radio play and performance. You can’t sit down to this one either, it’s worth the price of admission by itself and will slip onto my personal playlist when it’s officially out!
“No One Loves Me Like You Do” slips into a bluesy mood, reminding us that Laura has power blues in her range. I would say it’s her best vocal performance on the album, full of emotion and soul.
“What I’m Made Of” changes direction into a rocky pop vibe. It’s one of those songs that remind us that when someone is there putting you down, you get your thrills by returning harder and stronger! “Come Back Swinging” sings Laura – you got it girl! If love is there in this album, then resilience and fighting back is a general theme in Laura’s music. It’s another solidly strong track, and one I immediately wanted to hear again.
“Heartbreaker” sits right in the lane of a country rock driving song. All I lacked to truly enjoy this one was a truck and a cowgirl hat! It was a very enjoyable listen, solidly good fun.
“Just A Little Bit More” changes direction and delivers a power ballad with some pleasing guitar breaks and another great vocal performance rooted in emotive connection to the lyrics.
“Always and Forever” took me toward Miley Cyrus, it had her edge in there on the chorus. It’s not a standout on the album, but it has that undercurrent of sharpness that makes it interesting and one that would grow on me with a couple of listens I think.
“I’ll Be the One” turns toward the acoustic guitar and a more intimate feeling of dreams and a moment by the campside. It slows things down a bit and holds your hand.
“Out of the Dark” is described as an interlude and runs to 1.28 only. “The sun may go down, but it comes back.” A late evening interlude, well sung to a simple piano.
“Hear Me Out” closes down the album in more of a traditional style (I liked the inclusion of the word serendipity in the lyric) for Laura. What I mean by this is that this is very much Laura Evans in her lane and enjoying the drive. It is a brash and confident end to an impressive album.
As you can tell, I really enjoyed this album, I’m so glad I got the review! Laura Evans has given us a record that’s full of heart, grit, and undeniable groove. From high-energy anthems to tender moments, this is an album that makes you feel alive. Laura Evans on this album is bold, soulful, and unapologetically herself. It’s a joy to listen to and one of my highlights of 2025 so far.
And we hope you liked the review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you, and to support the magazine, please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy me a coffee!
Stream Music from Laura Evans here
Having just wrapped a special guest slot on Robben Ford’s UK tour, Laura continues to shine with a growing fanbase, near 3 million Spotify streams, and an unmistakable sound she is making her own. With “Out of the Dark” she offers a collection that’s deeply personal, full of heart, and built to connect.
To celebrate the release, Laura will hit the road on her biggest UK headline tour to date this November, bringing her full band and captivating live energy to intimate venues across the country.
UK Headline Tour November 2025 – TICKETS HERE
Nov 6 – Cardiff, Acapela
Nov 13 – Manchester, Night & Day
Nov 14 – Newcastle, The Cluny 2
Nov 15 – York, Fortyfive Vinyl Café
Nov 16 – Sheffield, The Greystones
Nov 21 – Barnoldswick Arts Centre
Nov 22 – Kent, The Old Dairy Tap Room
Nov 30 – London, Omeara
By Lorraine Foley