Jess Grant's New Album, Highway 99, Cruises Through Gutsy Rock and Graceful Reflection

Sending us into the weekend, and released at the beginning of last month, Highway 99 is the eighteenth (yes!) independently released studio project from Washington-based veteran singer/songwriter Jess Grant. Assembling a ridiculously talented line-up of session players, from Ben Smith (Heart) to Ryan Waters (Prince), Jess delivers ten wonderfully eclectic rock tunes that aim to provoke and amuse. Let's peel back the layers, shall we?

Pivoting between hard-edged classic rock and softer melodic offerings, Highway 99 is a sonic rollercoaster that navigates both social and personal themes. Tracks like Older Women and Good Dog bring the aforementioned gritty energy to proceedings, while the gentle beauty of others like The Towers and Mama's Lullaby showcase a storyteller at heart. 

Influenced by Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, and Joan Jett, to mention just a few, Jess Grant, with Highway 99 in hand, weaves eras and genres into a timeless-sounding record. 

Other personal favourites included Good Drugs, She's Different, and the album's standout track, Knight Mare on Yelm Street. But, you know my suggestion these days: don't cherry pick - take the ride from start to finish.

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