Music review: Colbie Caillat – 鈥楢long the Way鈥�
With her latest release, Colbie Caillat sheds her sunny California melodies for the country flavorings of Nashville.
Caillat鈥檚 girl-next-door looks and genuine soothing voice make for a seamless transition on her debut solo country album.
鈥淎long the Way鈥� finds the singer-songwriter opening up about dealing with heartbreak and learning how to move on and emerge stronger than before.
鈥淚 kinda like where this is going/Even if it鈥檚 not going anywhere,鈥� announces Caillat on the set opener 鈥淲ide Open.鈥� It鈥檚 a therapeutic declaration of reclaiming independence and excitedly facing adventure after realizing nothing lasts forever and seasons will always change.
鈥淪ometimes You Need a Change鈥� continues the recovery process while discovering the need to look honestly in the mirror to recognize the true potential of the person staring back as Caillat confesses, 鈥淭here鈥檚 still someone I need to be/I can鈥檛 know us until I know me.鈥�
鈥淢eant for Me鈥� highlights the good aspects of a failed relationship (even if they were temporary) with the 38-year-old singing, 鈥淚 see love for what it was, not what it wasn鈥檛/And everything that happens ain鈥檛 for nothing.鈥�
Sheryl Crow joins Caillat on 鈥淚鈥檒l Be Here.鈥� Crow鈥檚 voice is a perfect addition to the track penned by Caillat, Brett James, Jason Reeves and Babyface about always being there for the people you love.
鈥淥ld and New鈥� reflects on hard lessons learned from the past and the promise of what awaits with the beginning of a new season as Caillat declares she loves where she鈥檚 going as well as where she鈥檚 been.
鈥淭he Other Side鈥� closes the album by delivering a hopeful message that things will be better on the other side of heartache as Caillat sings, 鈥淣othing lasts forever/This trouble is like a feather/The wind will come and blow it all away.鈥�
鈥淎long the Way鈥� demonstrates that life is what you make it. Clearly, Caillat is making the best of every moment along her fruitful journey.