Re: “Delta Rae's Carry the Fire”

The first time I saw Delta Rae peform live while working at a local music venue, I said to myself, "that band will make a million dollars one day." Why? Because their music is part of the new school of country-pop crossover that has taken over Top 40 in the last decade. And they do it well. What they offer up is an overly-simplified and pop-slathered take on the rich southern gothic music tradition. The songs are catchy and you can tap your foot to them and you might even find yourself singing along. But you can say that about Ke$ha too. So where does that leave them? The band are nice kids and I'm sure their hearts are in the right place. But it's not art. Nor will it ever be. It is pop with a twang. Pure and simple. Congrats to them on the major label deal. I'm sure opening slots for Taylor Swift and Zac Brown will be here soon enough. And they'll finally make that million dollars. But it won't make this album any better. It just won't.