by Brenna Rushing

In her fifth studio release, Wills opens her heart.

Elizabeth Wills’s new album, Love Comes Home, molds together soft country and acoustic singer/songwriter styles. But don’t jump ahead and think that means the kind of music you would fall asleep to. Her confident voice keeps the connection with each song, making you realize you’ve been waiting for the chorus throughout multiple songs.

Elizabethwills.com

As her fifth album, it would be safe to assume she could rest on her given strengths and not delve further. Aside from the host of instruments she plays (clarinet and accordion included), Wills never fails to tell a complete story with a robust narration.

“One By One” introduces the album appropriately with the harmonizing and the clean sound, preparing the listener for Wills’ signature style. The entire record is impressively produced. The cover is vintage, but not trying too hard to stand out. A black and white headshot in the inner sleeve displays Wills her at her best: honest, sweet, and not trying too hard.

“Bones” screams to be heard. It’s dripping with emotion, which comes out crystal clear in her voice. Although the previous songs adequately lay out the tale being told, this was the first track that I felt like I was right alongside her.

The record follows a clear path, until “Timing” comes along. It stands out from the pack by slowing down the tempo and focusing on the harmony in the chorus. Maybe it’s the sadness that changes things. The entire mood up until this point is sunny or thankful.

Texas is obviously a big part of her life. She mentions driving on I-35 in Fort Worth in one song and being in Amarillo in another. It feels more personal this way, like you’re being introduced to her whole life instead of just snippets here and there.

Karen Chisholm

The lyrics hold their own in a smooth flowing pattern, enrapturing the listener. “I’m moving about as forward as a dead blackbird flies.” This comes from “Blackbird Song,” which recalls love lost in its finest glory.

Love Comes Home is an appropriate title for Wills' newest project. It’s a journey from broken hearts to enjoying and cherishing the time spent with loved ones. If the same old Texas country is sounding like a broken record ready to be tossed out, Elizabeth Wills will point you in a different direction.