SINGLE REVIEW: STELLA LAIN - ALL DOLLED UP
Heading to this years Country Calling is Norwich based Stella Lain. Eagle eyed country fans might remember her from last years festival where she was to be found being filmed on the back of a truck. This year she is there for real and has released a cracking little pop country single.
Before we start, top marks must go to the cover concept which see Stella as a Barbie style doll, it all plays in nicely to the title of her latest single "All Dolled Up" making her pretty in pink.
It's a combination of bright up tempo country mixed with mid 80's GoGo's intense pop strumming that works rather well, with lyrics knowingly punning on the term dolled up, as well as exuding a good time. It is about the joy that Stella gets from getting out there performing. There are certain idiosyncrasies to Stella's phrasing, which means that you'll always know it's her and for this single for sure, an air of extreme confidence.
It is the first verse that sees the arrival of the strumming section
"It's about time that I felt this good
I'm feeling real pretty,
And it's about time I showed this city
Won't let myself be put in a box
I'm gonna practice what I preach and show some kindness to me"
There's a perfect pop pre chorus that shows the dedication you have to go through!
"Glitter on my eyes
Curls in my hair
Gonna make the boys stop and stare
You think it's high maintenance
Well, I don’t care"
The actual chorus oozes the confidence of feeling good about yourself, and full kudos for reviving the phrase "Dressed to the nines" and placing it in a song.
"Cause I'm all dolled up and I'm feeling so nice
All dolled up and I'm dressed to the nines
I'll be glowing and I'm going to shine bright tonight
That’s right
All dolled up under the lights"
Just in case there are any detrimental comments out there, the second verse Stella makes it plain that this is all for her - and that the world will have to adjust to her and not vice versa.
"It's about time that I had some fun
Yeah, I'm gonna strut my stuff and won't change myself for anyone
I'll show the world what I can do
Yeah, I’ll show them what I'm made of and do it all in high-heeled shoes"
Having done a perfect pre chorus first time round, the urge might be to leave well along but Stella just tweaks it slightly - it's something done in all the great pop songs, just to keep you paying attention.
"Lashes on my eyes
In my favourite dress
I'm the only one I'm trying to impress
You think it's high maintenance
Well, you've gotta dress for your success"
There's a shorty dreamy bridge section where you can just imagine Stella spinning round the dance floor.
"Yeah, I'm all dolled up
And I'm gonna dance the night away"
The song concludes with variations on the chorus, from the basic strum with the band pared back right through to everyone playing at full tilt.
"Cause I'm all dolled up, yeah I'm feeling so nice
All dolled up and I'm dressed to the nines
All dolled up dancing under the lights
Yeah, I'm all dolled up
Yeah, I'm all dolled up, gonna have a good time
All dolled up, gonna have fun tonight
All dolled up and I'm looking so fine
I’m all dolled up"
It all leads to a punchy finish - the version we have lasts six minutes but it feels like three as you can't help but smile as it progresses.
All Dolled Up is released July 24th - Pre Save https://ffm.to/all-dolled-up-pre
Stella Lain will be one of the many artists heading to Country Calling
Country Calling runs August 14-16th at Chelmsford
