Will Jones
When singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Chrissi Poland stepped into FAME Studios in Florence, Alabama, while on tour in 2022, the residual magic of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Wilson Pickett immediately took hold. The experience stayed with her, inspiring her to return to The Shoals and record an album honoring the music and artistry that had shaped her as a singer and songwriter. The result is “Forever Muscle Shoals,” a twelve-track collection recorded live at FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio that bridges golden-era southern soul with pristine modern execution.
Having spent over a decade touring alongside pioneer Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, Poland brings true and shining talent to this material. That background pulls through in what has been described as her sheer ferocity behind the microphone.
The album hits with immediate authority on cuts like “Watch Dog,” establishing Poland’s commanding vocal range and unapologetic bravado. On “Cry Like A Baby,” the tempo cools into a hypnotic, sensual rhythm where her voice glides effortlessly between playful charm and deep grit, backed by a charged chorus.
Her interpretation of “Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)” leans into a classy, late-night jazz aesthetic, anchored by piano chords and saxophone lines that elevate her vocals. Meanwhile, her rendition of “Wild Horses,” featuring CMA winner James Otto, switches into a gospel-tinged Sunday morning reverence. The duet strips away pretense to reveal the song’s prayerful core, earning well-deserved playlist recognition across Americana spaces.
Poland also captures pure 1950s magic on “Good Times,” a track whose vintage arrangement sounds like it could have come straight from a jukebox of the era. By the time the record closes with “When He Returns,” Poland pours every ounce of emotional weight into the microphone, ending the experience on a stunning overflow of passion.
“Forever Muscle Shoals” is rooted in a deeply personal heartbeat. Poland dedicates the record to two main inspirations: the legendary Southern soul artists whose work “lit her soul on fire,” and her young daughter, Nova, with an empowering message to never give up on her dreams. That interplay between honoring past masters and inspiring the next generation lends a rich emotional core to the record.
“Forever Muscle Shoals” stands as a testament to the enduring power of the American soul. By sharing her undeniable talent mixed with uninhibited energy, Poland breathes new life into this genre. It is a stunning work that honors what came before while giving listeners a reminder of why this kind of music continues to shake the room.
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