SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ORA COGAN – HARD HEARTED WOMAN

ORA COGAN
HARD HEARTED WOMAN
SACRED BONES RECORDS

I don’t think it is a coincidence that Ora Cogan’s new album opens with the brilliant song “Honey,” with a steady beat, almost like a heartbeat. After all, the album is titled Hard Hearted Woman, and the first song contains the name of the album in its chorus. It is a brilliant way to begin the proceedings. Hard Hearted Woman is Cogan’s 10th album, and her first since 2023’s Formless. Each album Cogan produces (or co-produces with David Parry) demonstrates growth and the ability to mix the alternative background from which she comes into a more accessible musical album. This is not mainstream, but it is an album that will attract many new fans without alienating any of her loyal following.

The music still falls into the alternative category (if one has to pick a category) but she is not afraid to experiment with melody and structure. “Division,” for example, has incredible vocals from Cogan with an almost Cure-like backing. This is not to say she is copying the Cure, because she is not, but the layered synths with that plaid back but prominent bassline does bring that form of music to mind. But then “Love You Better” has a distinct R&B mixed with country flavour. And it works alongside everything else on the album.

Lyrically the album is about surviving a break-up. Proving to oneself that the split is not great, but it is not the end of the world. Musically and lyrically Cogan seems defiant overall to find the relationship that is more deserving and not settle “Too Late”, by the way is a stunningly beautiful ballad with an acoustic guitar and angelic harmonies.

Hard Hearted Woman is an album full of strong music and lyrics. Cogan has always experimented with sound, but with Hard Hearted Woman she is experimenting more with music and songs. She is broadening the idea of song structures and vocally, she has never sounded better. It is an album to explore, enjoy on many levels, and it shows more growth for this extremely talented artist.

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