Neon bright

Holly Arrowsmith - Blue Dreams (2024) ****

Nominated by: KS

Music club: Wander to Wozza's

Playlist addition: Swan Dive

Usually one song stands out well above the others but my Playlist addition was tough to decide this week (new year, new Playlist btw). I might have gone for the (seemingly) bright and breezy opener Neon Bright, Desert Dove or Something Small - a beautifully understated song, or the title track (the single off the album). Swan Dive was ultimately my choice because it closes the album superbly and reminded me a little of Jenny Lewis.

Holly has a beautiful voice, the musical arrangements are sympathetic, and she writes from the heart. I put 'seemingly' in brackets above because most (all?) of the songs on this album appear bright and shiny but sadness and death are often her subject matter.

While I don't think I'll be charging out to buy a physical copy, I enjoyed this album more and more with successive listens. Her version of Americana, Kiwi style, is certainly very easy on the ear. A great start to our 2025 Playlist Kevy!