Caitlyn Shadbolt
Stages
Album · Country · 2020 · ABC Country
There’s a double meaning to the title of Caitlyn Shadbolt’s second album. The singer-songwriter is obviously referring to performing on stages (2020 notwithstanding), but here the Australian artist also looks to chronicle the stages of her life and career. Nowhere is the autobiographical approach clearer than on the title track, which details her journey from teenage X Factor contestant—Shadbolt came fifth on Season 6 of the show, in 2014—to award-winning country troubadour. The clearest touchpoint on Stages is pre-crossover Taylor Swift, and Shadbolt’s radio-friendly melodies—particularly on singles “Edge of the Earth” and “Porcelain”—are reminiscent of Swift’s Red. Elsewhere, Shadbolt tries on more mainstream pop sounds, recalling big hitters such as Kelly Clarkson and Rachel Platten by injecting buzzing electric guitar underneath her polished vocals. Still, the tracks with the most traditional country sounds are her strongest suit, particularly the anthemic “Everybody Like Me,” which is destined for a Coyote Ugly-style karaoke bar near you.
Stages
Caitlyn Shadbolt
There’s a double meaning to the title of Caitlyn Shadbolt’s second album. The singer-songwriter is obviously referring to performing on stages (2020 notwithstanding), but here the Australian artist also looks to chronicle the stages of her life and career. Nowhere is the autobiographical approach clearer than on the title track, which details her journey from teenage X Factor contestant—Shadbolt came fifth on Season 6 of the show, in 2014—to award-winning country troubadour. The clearest touchpoint on Stages is pre-crossover Taylor Swift, and Shadbolt’s radio-friendly melodies—particularly on singles “Edge of the Earth” and “Porcelain”—are reminiscent of Swift’s Red. Elsewhere, Shadbolt tries on more mainstream pop sounds, recalling big hitters such as Kelly Clarkson and Rachel Platten by injecting buzzing electric guitar underneath her polished vocals. Still, the tracks with the most traditional country sounds are her strongest suit, particularly the anthemic “Everybody Like Me,” which is destined for a Coyote Ugly-style karaoke bar near you.
