Willow Avalon - Southern Belle Raisin' Hell

In 1952, Kitty Wells became the first solo woman to debut a song atop the Billboard charts. ‘It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels’ altered Wells' trajectory and led her to chart 81 songs during the course of her career, though ‘Honky Tonk Angels’ would become her signature standard and for good reason. Owed in part to J.D. Miller’s timely lyrics, it was actually Wells' knowing vocal performance that connected with the masses, elevating the cut to legendary status. With it, Wells had unknowingly created a diss track from a woman’s perspective before the style was even a staple in the canon.

The echoes of Wells' influence can be heard throughout Willow Avalon’s long awaited debut, a resoundingly defiant collection of ruminations on the journey of a young woman challenging societal expectations. The grounded production ignores the lackluster trappings of modern radio, instead choosing a rich mix of traditional country, rock and Americana sounds to suit Avalon’s classic-leaning style. Yet, the undeniable power of Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell is centered around Avalon’s unmistakable voice that’s reminiscent of early Dolly Parton and, of course, Wells herself.

The intoxicating, two-step romp, ‘Something We Regret,’ serves as a warning to a bound-to-be-soon ex-lover. As Avalon seductively rolls through reason after reason for him to walk away, it’s easy to see why the poor fool decides to stay. You almost feel sorry for the guy… almost. The cadenced courtroom defense of ‘Homewrecker’ dazzles with conviction, guided by the influential spell of spaghetti western infusions. Apart from its superb production, it’s also a prime example of Avalon’s razor sharp songwriting prowess.

This doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a sense of humor, though, as evidenced by  ‘Yodelayheewho,’ which extends a standard yodel phrasing to hilarious tell-off results. The crystalline combination of Avalon and fellow rhinestone star Maggie Antone is a stellar choice that surely needs to happen again. With the glowing ability to compliment each other’s range, it begs for the development of a new supergroup. The boot-stomping ‘Hey There, Dolly’ is a tongue-in-cheek calling card to the queen herself that’s bound to get Parton’s attention with hilariously casual mentions of both artist’s ample attributes. Similarly, on viral breakthrough ‘Gettin’ Rich, Goin’ Broke,’ she uses her astounding vibrato to list the familial demands of her newfound fame across a smokey, neon beat.

Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell is a memorable introduction to an artist with a fearless sense of self and a multitude of diverse talents to express it. Across the 14-song collection, Avalon effortlessly honors those that came before her, while also adding her much-needed perspective to the genre. Somewhere up above, the original honky tonk angel is beaming with pride, knowing that her legacy is in very capable hands.

8.5/10

Willow Avalon’s 20225 project, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell, is available everywhere now via Atlantic Records/Assemble Sound.

For more on Willow Avalon, see below: