Album Review: Lake Street Dive - Free Yourself Up

Free Yourself Up, the latest release from Boston four-piece Lake Street Dive is the kind of album you can unwind with on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. With an eclectic sound drawing elements from soul, folk-rock, jazz and Motown, their eighth studio album is a unique fusion of genres.

Openers Baby Don't Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts and Good Kisser highlight the soulful voice of lead singer Rachael Price, noticeably even bigger than the music accompanying it. Acoustic I Can Change, with its country twang, provides the first opportunity to really focus in on the lyrics, the stripped-back song highlighting the band's solid songwriting and showcasing a more fragile side to Price's voice. The contrasting Dude that follows is fast, confident and full of swagger, and makes a noteworthy lyrical reference to the friendship of Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

Musta Been Something is a soft and powerful highlight - an emotional, building, soulful ballad - and Hang On makes the perfect album closer; fun, punchy and upbeat.

Not one song on Free Yourself Up misses the mark - a solid release, packed with a lot of soul.