Funnily enough, I was just thinking about heading to the park with my latest book (Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus has quickly drawn me in), but after a warm morning I stepped outside to find the rain had arrived. With the park ruled out and a rare afternoon off, I decided to spend it listening to a new album instead. I normally prefer reviewing late at night, but every now and then it’s nice to let an album soundtrack the day.
The album today is “Full Spread” by Canadian vocalist, songwriter and musician Erin McCallum. Erin has spent the past twenty years bringing her music to audiences around the world, and here’s what the official press release has to say…
Press Release:
This all-original collection of 9 songs, recorded at Ganaraska Recording Company, is built around McCallum’s signature sound. “Full Spread” takes a “message first” approach, covering a range of topics – all relatable to the human experience.
Powerful lyrics throughout “Full Spread” are supported by strong arrangements, solid grooves, and excellent musicianship, which serve as the backdrop for McCallum’s heartfelt voice.
As the title suggests, McCallum explores a wide range of musical styles and influences, bending genre lines without apology – providing listeners with a “full spread” of Roots-inspired music. Whether listening to the R&B influenced “You Have It All”, the Country inspired “Lost Myself Loving You”, or the New Orleans-meets-Bo-Diddley groove in “Good, Good News”, it’s clear that McCallum is not confined by traditional song structure at any turn. Songs like “The Big Shout” and “Broken Lies” are firmly embedded with traditional influences while bringing forward a fresh new sound that appeals to Americana, Blues, Folk, and Contemporary listeners. By McCallum’s own description, people can expect songs classified as music on Full Spread.
“Full Spread” also features two co-written songs by McCallum and top Canadian Blues guitarist (and longtime bandmate) Teddy Leonard. “I’m Still Here (For Now)” and “I Need A New Lover” showcase a musical chemistry between Leonard and McCallum that has been palpable at live performances for the better part of a decade. “I Need A New Lover”, released as a single (May 8, 2026), is well received by listeners and industry professionals worldwide; the song is currently being featured on streaming and terrestrial radio stations across Canada, the UK and Australia – and the list continues to grow.
My Review
Full Spread is released on 1 August 2026 across all major streaming platforms.
“I Need a New Lover” opens proceedings with a wonderfully old-school blues groove. It’s the soundtrack to a deserted main street somewhere in the Wild West, dust blowing between the buildings while a lone harmonica player leans against the jailhouse wall. It caught me completely off guard. Catchy, confident and full of playful “take me, make me” lyrical energy, it’s a strong opening statement.
“Good Good News” follows with two-and-a-half minutes of uplifting, feel-good blues. This is the sort of song that quietly sneaks into your head after a couple of listens. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or enjoying a quiet evening in the garden, it fits the mood perfectly. It celebrates life’s brighter moments and, as A.A. Milne wisely observed, today is a present. It’s also wonderfully radio-friendly and deserves plenty of airplay.
“Lost Myself Loving You” showcases one of Erin’s strongest vocal performances on the album. There’s genuine emotion here as she explores the blindness that can accompany love, while the blues influence remains firmly rooted in both the lyrics and delivery. I particularly enjoyed the subtle harmony work in the chorus, while the instrumental break gives the song room to breathe before returning to its reflective mood.
“The Big Shout” takes me straight back to the American West. It has a wonderfully cinematic quality, the kind of song you could imagine drifting across a saloon while the regulars nurse their whiskey and the barmaid moves between the tables with a knowing wink and a smile. I particularly enjoyed the rhythm section here, with understated drums providing a slow, moody foundation. Our resident in-house drummer Ferdinand was especially taken with this one.
“You Have It All” gently lightens the mood with an easy-going rhythm that conjures images of the final slow dance after everyone else has gone home and the band is packing away for the night. It doesn’t demand attention, but it settles comfortably into the album and provides a pleasant change of pace.
“Good Intentions” is another highlight for me. There’s a little more bite in the lyrics and a touch more rock in the groove, giving the song extra momentum. It has all the ingredients of a real live favourite, one that audiences could easily clap and sing along with.
“Broken Lies” is the standout track on Full Spread. It opens with real atmosphere before settling into a weighty, deliberate rhythm that perfectly complements the song’s emotional intensity. The backing harmonies create an almost haunting quality, while Erin delivers one of her finest performances on the record. It’s blues wrapped in mystery, almost like wandering through Harlem on a rainy night with a pack of tarot cards tucked beneath your arm. At just over three minutes long, it’s three minutes of pure musical indulgence and the track I’d be adding to my own playlist.
“I’m Still Here (For Now)” introduces a welcome splash of funk into the mix. It’s blues with a seventies swagger, the sort of song that belongs on an open road with the windows down and a classic American car stretching out into the horizon.
Finally, “Home” is an acoustic closer for the album. This one is blues for the campfire, intimate, as the evening breeze moves gently through the trees. We have mountains, sunset and the morning meeting the night. Close your eyes and drift along to this one, flotsam to the bay.
Erin McCallum has produced an album that isn’t interested in chasing trends or fitting neatly into a single genre. Instead, she draws from blues, Americana, folk, country and soul to create something warm, honest and thoroughly enjoyable. If you’re looking for polished songwriting, authentic musicianship and an album that rewards sitting back and listening, “Full Spread” is well worth your time.
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Stream music from Erin McCallum here
Artist website here
Recorded at: Ganaraska Recording Company
Recording Engineer: Jimmy Bowskill
Mixed by: Steve Marriner
Co-Producers: Erin McCallum, Teddy Leonard
Mastered by: Philip Shaw Bova
SOCAN and ASCAP Registered
All songs have ISRC numbers
By Stevie Ritson
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