Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Running Wild is the third album from the incredible voice and talent that is Sari Schorr. The New Yoiker is back with a bang and for anyone who caught the last tour these tracks will sound familiar.
I am sure Blues was invented for this woman and her outstanding talents in both vocals and songwriting and on Running Wild the songwriting is stronger than ever. Sari is finally finding out who she is and we are just lucky to be able to witness this caterpillar become a butterfly.
The album kicks off with “Mr in the Middle” and this is the wheelhouse of Blues that Sari is heralded for and the tempo is upbeat and heartlifting even though the song is steeped in lyrical confusion.
The title track is Sari to a tee, more confusion, more doubts but she follows a path that she believes in and if you have ever spoken to this fascinating woman you know her strength and her determination which is built on a foundation of what the right direction is.
This is a beautiful song and Sari sounds fantastic. He evolution is stunning.
I am not sure “Monday Morning” sounds like most peoples start to the week. This is far too laid back and I am sure ours are all hectic and chaotic but stick this on the moment you wake up and your day is going to be very smooth and if not you wont give a crap. This isn’t a song, this is an attitude.
“Cool Hand Rider” was one of the highlights from the live show for me and listening to it again here it is obvious why. Punchy, Rocky and full of Country ass kicking. You can do nothing but love it.
With a title like “Elevate” you know this song is going to soar. Sari hits new heights vocally and every note will hit you harder.
As we take a left turn and walk through a wooden door into a smoky jazz bar in Louisianna we are introduced to “Call it Freedom” and my God this is powerful. Sari has always worn her heart on her sleeve but here she leaves it in your soul. Slow, smouldering and it will wring out every emotion you have.
The Rock meets Blues and Country continues on “Better Day”. If Sari says better days are coming I for one say hell yeah. You look around and wonder where these better days are coming from in the shitshow that the world is in but Sari has always focused on people and it will only take us as individuals to just be good to each other to lift each and every one of us to the heights that this song promotes.
“Afterglow” is just sublime. Sari kicks this off with a new found depth, an almost different tone before she bursts forth to a Rock opera of a track. This could be a broadway number, a soundtrack in Yellowstone or just a song you hear on the radio that changes your life. It is that large and encompassing.
The acoustic rings again on final track “Finding my Way”. Sari hits us with her smokiest and most sultry vocals that will make you think of that unforgettable rendition of Black Betty.
This is Sari’s song, her life, her path that she has earned every step. This is her determination and this is now part of her legacy.
Running Wild is 10 exceptional tracks that highlights the talent that is Sari Schorr. It was her voice that grabbed you the first time you heard her but now that is mixed with the extraordinary songwriting ability that she has at her fingertips.
Listen now and pre-save / pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/sarischorr
