B.B. Cole “Of Love and Loss” (LP)

B.B. Cole’s new album, Of Love and Loss, unfolds as a thoughtfully crafted journey through the peaks and valleys of human connection, skillfully balancing traditional country tones with contemporary folk sensibilities. From the opening note, Cole’s voice—warm, emotive, and reminiscent of legends like Dolly Parton—draws listeners into the narratives that form the heart of this album. Released on Viennese indie label Between Music, this collection underscores Cole’s growth as an artist and her rising place in modern country-folk.

URL: https://bbcole.rocks/

The album opens with “(The Tale Of) Lady Primrose,” a richly woven story of resilience. Its lilting melody and folk-inspired instrumentation set a wistful tone that feels both timeless and immediate, creating a space where the listener can settle into the world of Cole’s stories. The following track, “Poor Beatrice,” kicks up the tempo with a toe-tapping beat that contrasts its melancholy narrative of hardship. In this juxtaposition, Cole demonstrates her ability to pair deeper themes with accessible, lively melodies, making the song memorable.

The tone shifts with “Close At Hand” and “Wave of Love,” two lighter, more contemplative tracks that reveal the album’s softer side. “Close At Hand” is a charming, easygoing piece with a hint of nostalgia, though it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth of other tracks, making it feel like a pleasant yet understated inclusion. “Wave of Love,” on the other hand, flows with a gentle rhythm that perfectly complements its lyrical exploration of love’s ebb and flow, delivering an authentic warmth.

“The Lion and the Virgin” stands out with its mysterious, slow-burning quality that explores themes of betrayal. This song’s careful pacing and introspective tone create a cinematic experience, as if peering into a private conversation. The mood shifts again with “The Sun Song,” where Cole’s sultry vocals imbue the track with a sensual, almost tangible warmth. These songs highlight Cole’s knack for evoking emotion with her voice, adding layers of intimacy and intrigue.

“A Stolen Heart” and “Pour Me A Drink” find Cole at her most introspective. “A Stolen Heart” is raw and vulnerable, touching on the ache of lost love, while “Pour Me A Drink” adopts a confessional tone with a barroom feel reminiscent of classic country. Cole’s lyrics here offer an honest reflection on the highs and lows of life, allowing her authenticity to resonate with listeners.

“Over Before It Started,” a haunting duet with Lorae, stands as one of the album’s highlights. The blend of their voices creates a haunting harmony that perfectly captures the bittersweet essence of a love that never fully materialized. From here, “She’s Not Gonna Do It” delivers a powerful anthem of independence, its feisty rhythm celebrating self-respect with an empowering confidence.

As the album winds down, “Hide and Seek” offers a meditative look at love’s elusive nature, while “Coffee Eyes” provides a serene, reflective close. This final ballad ties together the themes of love and loss, leaving the listener with a sense of closure.

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/of-love-and-loss/1770706817

Of Love and Loss is a cohesive, emotionally resonant album that reveals Cole’s versatility and dedication to storytelling. Despite a few lighter tracks like “Close At Hand” that don’t hit as hard, the album is a testament to Cole’s growth as a singer-songwriter. Available in limited-edition vinyl, CD, and digital formats, it’s a must-listen for fans of modern country and folk storytelling woven with authenticity and heartfelt narrative.

Mark Druery