Photos: Kiki Vassalakis
Since her first open mic performance at McGeary’s Pub in 2014, Caity Gallagher has made quite a name for herself in the Capital Region. Appraised as a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne, the singer/songwriter has been granted many musical opportunities, such as playing NipperFest and other esteemed venues in the area. On September 23, Caity Gallagher released Something Worth Remembering, an EP consisting of five full-band songs that blend pop, country and even rock at times. Let’s dive into the record.
From the first few moments of the title track “Worth Remembering,” the listener hears Gallagher’s country influence. When Gallagher’s vocals come in, her folky inflections make for a serene listening experience. The seamless transitions from her chest to head voice are reminiscent of LeAnn Rimes. The song has a very polished feeling, with a bright piano part and stacked harmonies from what appears to be multiple different singers. The most magical moment in this song, and possibly on the EP, are the acapella harmonies in the outro. Immediately, “Worth Remembering” establishes Caity Gallagher as a multi-talented singer, songwriter and musician.
Next up is “Out Loud,” which also has clear country sensibilities. The song feels almost old-timey, complete with piano glissandos and a slow drum beat. “Out Loud” also features a male vocalist, as well as a smooth guitar solo with the perfect amount of twang. The song combines pop and country, while also sporting jazzy chord changes that are reminiscent of “Something” by The Beatles. “New Drive” takes the best of what the first two tracks had to offer, and expands upon them. The beginning of the track features a reverby and spacious-sounding piano, similar to the sound of the piano in “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift. The beautiful vocal harmonies and jazz-inspired chord changes make more appearances on this song, which once again prove Gallagher’s ability to blend multiple genres into one cohesive record.
“My Days” is a standout track on the EP, as it contains Gallagher’s best lyrics from the project. With a focus on string instruments, the lyrics in “My Days” depict deep reflection. Jackson Browne’s influence on Gallagher’s music can be heard most in this song, as the concept is reminiscent of “These Days.” The vocals are most comforting and soothing on this particular tune, with no speck of grain in Gallagher’s pure and heartfelt singing voice.
The final track on the EP, entitled “Glitter,” is a fitting title for the most glitzy track on the project. The song begins with an acoustic guitar being strummed and panned to the hard left, with the full band coming in shortly after. The most upbeat track on the EP, the lyrics depict how some days are made better simply by your favorite person being there, coming along for the ride. My favorite lyrics on the EP are from “Glitter,” as Gallagher coos “I’ve never felt more like sunlight / Than in your eyes / Than in your eyes.” The most interesting characteristic about this song is its nineties alternative influence. Featuring a gritty electric guitar and Gallagher’s most powerful vocals, the finale of Something Worth Remembering does not disappoint.
A dedicated and hardworking singer/songwriter, Caity Gallagher’s Something Worth Remembering is a compilation of her many talents. This labor of love could have only come from Gallagher, whose many years of hard work have led up to this beautifully executed record. Be sure to check out Something Worth Remembering – EP on all streaming platforms, and follow Caity Gallagher on social media to keep up-to-date with her local shows.
Key Tracks: Something Worth Remembering / My Days / Glitter
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