Stand-Up Reloaded is the new single for Melbourne based singer-songwriter Brooke Reuss.
As the title suggests, the song has had a prior release—such is the artist’s belief in the track. That belief is understandable when the lyric conceit attempts to tackle such noteworthy subjects as self-empowerment, social justice, and equality.
Heavy subject matter indeed, and weighty concepts for what is ostensibly a contemporary country-pop track, replete with semi-distorted guitars, pop hooks and banjo; all vying for position across this stylistically expansive terrain. However, country music has always been a style that’s not afraid to venture forth, further out than perhaps classic pop has gone, taking on all the rough edges of life on board and utilising it, transforming it.
One thinks of Loretta Lyn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, to name a few. Brooke’s opening lines, I wish I could speak to the word, to all the boys and girls / don’t let our lives shatter, our lives matter, here, contain a sense of determination and a sense of trepidation; how does she get through to her audience, these boys and girls?
‘‘I want to connect with as many people as possible. I hope my stories bring comfort, helps people through tough times and heals’.
One method is by giving them the lowdown while reeling them in with pop hooks, and for the most part, that’s just what Stand Up Reloaded contains—the undercurrent of country, swelling beneath a layer of accessible pop melodies, with MOR rock touches and Brooke’s desirous intonations.
As Brooke has said about her creative ambitions, ‘I want to connect with as many people as possible. I hope my stories bring comfort, helps people through tough times and heals’. Co-written and produced by Lee Bradshaw, Stand Up Reloaded is reminiscent of Sara Bareilles and Carrie Underwood’s work, and fits neatly between these two—soulful pop meets shiny contemporary country.
Australia also has its fair share of take no prisoners country queens, and perhaps Brooke Neuss’ Stand Up Reloaded might help create a place for another.
LISTEN TO BROOKE REUSS HERE:
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