While things haven’t been good these past few years for so many of us, they have been for Amanda Shires. She’s grown out of supporting others to her own full-fledged stardom, including as one of the country gal super-group The Highwomen or her powerful pro-choice single “The Problem” (QRO review – featuring her husband & star in his own right Jason Isbell). Now is the perfect time for her moving Take It Like a Man.
While the title of the record might make one think of a modern “These Boots Are Made For Walking” feminist kiss-off, instead the album leans more towards the sadness of break-up and what a lady has to go through. Admittedly, Take does start with the Southern Gothic storm a-comin’ & it’s her “Hawk For the Dove”, but the following title track exemplifies the world-wise & -weary woman. This is an after-the-love-is-gone record, sweet & sad, though with some easier going moments (such as the fun horns of “Stupid Love”).
Even in her own good times, Amanda Shires has made a record for the bad that we all have, both personal and universal.
