The Bottom Line
Howle brings in the blues and more of a crooner sensibility on this album, integrating these elements with her natural affinity for old time country and the folk aesthetic.
Pros
- "Woman to Win"
- "This Kind of Light"
- "Oh Swear"
- "If I Can't Have You"
Cons
- None
Description
- Howle's best work to date
- A great record that touches on everything from the blues to old time country and folk-rock
- Lovely lyrics and Howle's big voice, backed by a skilled, intuitive band
Guide Review - Danielle Howle - Thank You, Mark
On her sixth album, Danielle Howle seems to have finally found her place. Her previous records have all had extraordinary moments, followed by other songs that make you say "hmm;" but with Thank You, Mark, she's branched out in a fabulously comfortable direction.The entire album is just one great song after another, with a band of backup players that intuits every subtle move by the vocalist.
Vocally, Howle is at the top of her game, channeling everyone from Patsy Cline to Billie Holladay. With songs like "Jesus Won't Wait" and "If I Can't Have You," she proves that she's just as adept at wailing the blues and gospel as the old time country and folky songs we're all familiar with from the previous albums.
Then with tunes like "Oh Swear," she pulls out the big band swingin' horn section and skat solo to show off her skills in that area.
The album may represent an amalgam of Howle's influences, but it does so with so much smooth grace that it will leave you feeling better than when you first sat down to listen.
