Lawrence Maxwell is a shining example of Canadian country music. The former Canadian Navy seaman has been cranking out singles that are as thoughtful as they are infectious — whether Maxwell has you shedding a tear in your beer, you can bet the song will be a toe-tapper regardless. On his two recent singles “What You See In Me” and “Pouring My Heart Out” (out today), Maxwell explores two different ends of the human experience.
“Pouring My Heart Out” is a well-trodden path in the country genre: tales of harrowing road stories and one’s commitment to one’s art. Maxwell strings out his tale of overpriced airfare, stolen wages, and toughing it out with obvious pleasure — not so much in the masochism of being an independent artist, but in the act of sharing his world with others. The talk-singing romp is reminiscent of many an old-school country song, and Maxwell delivers it with a wink and a nudge. After all, that’s much healthier than being pissed off.
The other side of the coin is today’s “What You See In Me,” featuring a tender duet with Brooke MacArthur. This song would fit right at home on country radio, but there is a vulnerability to the lyrics and a sincerity to Maxwell and MacArthur’s performance that makes it clear that this is not a perfunctory love song angling for playlist placement. The groove is irresistible and the pair make the emotional friction of falling in love feel smooth as butter. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a happy ending, after all, and “What You See In Me” forecasts a relationship based on the strength that comes from sharing our weakest parts.
Speaking of playlists, you can keep up with all the best new Americana when you follow the Adobe & Teardrops Spotify playlist.