Album Review: Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose Soundtrack

Currently busting box-office records around the world, Wild Rose is one of the better music-based movies of recent times. Starring our own Jessie Buckley as an aspiring country singer who struggles to balance her dreams with reality, after being released from prison, its soundtrack really sets it apart from the pack. Featuring a fistful of original material, alongside covers of classics from the likes of Emmylou Harris, Hank Snow and Wynonna Judd, it’s a charming collection that wisely puts Buckley’s expressive voice front and centre.

For all the appeal of covers like ‘Outlaw State Of Mind’ and ‘Country Girl’, it’s the new tracks that make this more than just a glorified karaoke session. Co-written by Buckley, the likes of ‘Robbing The Bank Of Life (Stealing The Night)’ and ‘Cigarette Row (5 O’Clock Freedom)’ mark her out as a real talent. Booming ballad ‘Glasgow (No Place Like Home)’ is the best moment: taking Chuck Ragan’s ‘Geraldine’ as a touchstone, it boasts a reputation-making vocal that leaves us wishing for a full album of original material. Jessie Buckley is the real thing.

Out now via Island Records.