Walk of Shame, Nikki Lane’s debut album, is an evocative take on country music for a modern generation. Grasping musical influence not only in the country genre, but also in rock & roll, Walk of Shame appeals beyond twang advocates.

The album opens with “Lies”, and you’re immediately introduced to the overall quality and nature of the album. Each track embodies an echo overtone with musical overlays. Lane personifies a rustic voice with a nasal touch to it. These particular characteristics actually add to the music. Without a doubt there’s definitely an appeal to her intonation.

Title track “Walk of Shame” incorporates a faster pace and should truly catch the attention of the anti-twang listener. One can envision Lane performing this song live in a dingy dark bar filled with a twenty-something crowd, drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon. The same can be said about the upbeat “Hard Livin’”.

The artist plays lyrically on every day life , a popular characteristic of country music. On “Come Home to You” she sings about painting her nails and picking out something to wear, but “tonight I’m coming home to you”.

Each song on Walk of Shame seems to touch on love and heartbreak. Token slow jams on the album are “Sleep For You”, “Look Away”, “Save You”, and “Blue Star in the Sky”. The latter of the four focuses on harmonized vocals that drag out the sung lyrics. This technique really emphasizes the mood of the track, “I’m so lonesome like a blue star in the sky…to be as lonesome as a blue star in the sky is to be in love with you”.

Nikki Lane and her Walk of Shame open up country tunes to a younger generation with her signature voice and unique style.

Final Words: Boots, chaps and cowboy hats…nothing else matters.