Exodus of Venus (Agent Love, 2016)
Elizabeth Cook
Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh
Cook has been through divorce, deaths in her family and a stay in rehab, so she's got plenty of painful experiences to sing about. But even though the subject matter is dead serious, Cook still has a way of making enjoyable music. "Straightjacket Love," for example, is one that alternates between slow and fast tempos and features the wonderful Patty Loveless on vocals. It's built upon a slightly funky groove, complete with soulful organ.
Country music is, at its best, a chronicle of life's ups and downs. Cook pulls no punches here. If you're looking for songs about partying without consequences - which fill up the mainstream country playlists - you won't get any of that here. Cook is out to give a warning that there is a danger in the high life. You'll hurt with her while you listen to these songs. Hopefully, though, you won't ever experience these same kinds of hurts yourself.
CDs by Elizabeth Cook
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