Esther Rose - “Good Time”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Iris Dement, Taylor Swift, Courtney Marie Andrews

It’s been a quiet time in the Esther Rose camp over 2022 in terms of new music, so another spin of her 2021 record How Many Times will make due for a serving of pop-oriented country music via the New Orleans based artist. A traditionalist at heart, there’s an old-soul energy in Rose’s music that expectedly gives her songs a timeless nature. While based in a grounded genre, Esther Rose doesn’t sound like a throwback artist on How Many Times. That balance of nostalgic and personal-to-today is well carried in Rose’s hands and speaks well for whatever is next for this dependable artist. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: 2022 finds her relocated to New Mexico and coming the Austin to promote her new record, How Many Times, a breakup (and its aftermath) themed album. Like her previous work, the new tracks features throwback pedal steel guitar and fiddle to accompany her tender, light, and wistful voice. Rose’s lyrics also stand out with their attention to small details and frequent sly humor, even in heartbreak. The best songs on this album have earworm choruses such as on “Good Time” (“Having a real good time, it’s a real good time for bad timing, amen.”) and “Keeps Me Running” (Yes, calling you my fire, but every fire needs the wind.”).