Out now on all platforms (released April 25), “Paper Doll” is the new offering from the talented Samantha Fish, an artist who frequently appears in our magazine (because we like her!). The reviews appear in our email inboxes and are basically there to grab, so I made a dash to this one and beat Stevie and Lorraine to it!
There is also a tour supporting the album, and I’ve pinned the information on that on our Alive in 25 page, here.
Here is a brief look at the press review that lies in front of me:
Dealing in her own unmatched brand of bravado and extraordinary emotionality, on Paper Doll, Fish offers up nine powerhouse songs that hit with a gut-punching force, delivering each with illuminating insight and soul-soothing empathy, all while “stretching idiomatic boundaries” (Nashville Scene). Paper Doll is a raw yet reflective battle cry that perfectly encapsulates its spirit of unapologetic defiance. Fish says about the album title, “It’s about rebelling against other people’s expectations of who you’re supposed to be, which feels pretty relevant for the times we’re living in right now.”
Fish tracked Paper Doll at The Orb in Austin and Savannah Studios in LA in the midst of a grueling touring schedule, recording with her touring band for the first time: Ron Johnson (bass), Jamie Douglass (drums), and Mickey Finn (keys). It was this environment that helped shape the album’s vivacious but nuanced sound, with its “road-worn chemistry and raw, electric charm” (Blues Rock Review).
The album runs to nine songs and is just over 36 minutes.
My review:
“I’m Done Runnin” has a reflective, look-in-the-mirror track that blends rock and country seamlessly. It’s a fun opener with a big chorus. It’s one where I need my cowboy boots! I quickly turned up the sound on my headphones and cut myself off from the rest of the household for a while!
“Can Ya Handle The Heat?” It has a great swagger to it, plenty of strut and attitude. Samantha always has a good band with her and the guitar sound flies away as ever.
“Lose You.” This one you sway along to as the song tells a solid story and retains attitude in spaces. It is a spacey kind of rock with country vocals. A good album track.
“Sweet Southern Sounds” is a slower track, moody and contemplative. This track is gritty, the vocals laid back but showing bite. It’s an interesting number that I needed to have a second listen to. It showcases what Samantha can do and has some blues infused.
“Off In The Blue.” This is a ballad, a touch of sweetness and a vocal that is emotive and with a feeling of lament; it gently lifts the listener upward with it and I felt myself dreamily taken along with it. It’s not really typical of the album, but I liked it a lot.
“Fortune Teller” is a slow and heavy, trippy type of track that took me toward T-Rex a bit. Interesting.
“Rusty Razor.” This one features Mick Collins and is a song in a hurry! From the slow mover that came before it, this one is racing along in the fast lane. The whole piece literally is in a hurry and runs to under 3 minutes. Watch it go!
“Paper Doll.” This song is a strong vehicle for those heavy guitar riffs and a bigger drum sound. It is slow and pounding with vocals that retain a punk attitude.
“Don’t Say It.” This one closes the album with a Summer breeze; the lyrics speak of frustration—the music is lighter. A strong closer for this interesting album.
Standout tracks: “I’m Done Runnin” and “Off In The Blue.”
In summary, I was surprised by how eclectic this album is in many respects. Samantha Fish delivers a bold ride across rock, country, blues, and a dash of punk attitude in just over 36 minutes. From the swagger of “Can Ya Handle The Heat?” to the dreamy lift of “Off In The Blue,” she shows her range without losing her signature grit. There’s a real feeling of freedom to this record, like throwing on cowboy boots and hitting the open road. Standouts like “I’m Done Runnin” set the tone with big choruses and bigger heart. It’s a surprising, swaggering, and ultimately rewarding listen.
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You can stream music from Samantha Fish here
Artist website here
By Anna-Louise Burgess