Album Review: Shantaia, Exes and Friends

Canadian country singer Shantaia told this writer last summer she had a concept album in the can but wasn't eager to spill the beans regarding the idea. Fortunately, it wasn't a concept that was out of left field but a simple, honest and reflective one. The result, Exes and Friends, is 10 songs (well, eight and two of those eight having different versions) worth your while. Heck even the exes might have second thoughts if the well-crafted "Hung Over You" is a taste of what's offered here.

Shantaia has an ear for melodies and a catchy chorus on the mid-tempo "Curfew" and the intricate, layered "Broke To Brand New" where she sweetly shows her pipes. Probably the most sing-along nugget is "Damaged Goods" with a lovely toe-tapping refrain. Shantaia's crowning achievement here might be "Best Yet" which details how a former beau has moved on.

Exes and Friends also features "Had A Good Weekend" which is a solid radio-friendly tune while the acoustic version runs in much the same vein. The ballad "Know You" is a deep cut which hits at the album's core but the sparse piano version is far, far more poignant. A memorable, heartfelt collection of music.

Exes and Friends was released February 24, 2023.
Listen to it here.