CD Review: Charly Reynolds – Off the Record (Live Acoustic) – Stripping Down to the Soulful Core
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In an era often dominated by layers of studio sheen and digital enhancements, rising country artist Charly Reynolds takes a refreshingly organic approach with “Off the Record (Live Acoustic),” a reimagining of her debut album. Unveiling itself song by song every two weeks, started with the title track on March 28th, 2025, this acoustic rendition promises to peel back the polished exterior and reveal the raw emotional core of Reynolds’ songwriting and vocal talent. If the initial offering is anything to go by, this is a journey into the heart of her music that fans, both old and new, will find deeply rewarding.
The first single, “Off the Record (Live Acoustic),” serves as a potent introduction to this stripped-down sonic landscape. Gone are the more expansive arrangements of the original, replaced by the intimate interplay of acoustic guitar, a subtly driving cajón, and the plaintive cry of a fiddle. In this minimalist setting, Reynolds’ vocals take center stage, her authentic delivery shining through with an unvarnished clarity. The storytelling essence that has resonated with her growing fanbase is amplified, allowing the listener to connect with the lyrics on a more visceral level. The accompanying live performance video further enhances this connection, offering a visual window into the organic and heartfelt nature of these acoustic renditions.
Reynolds’ own words perfectly encapsulate the intention behind this project: to bring the songs back to their foundational elements, the acoustic guitar and simple percussion that often accompany their creation. This approach isn’t just about offering a different sonic texture; it’s about revealing the vulnerability and the genuine emotion that fuels her songwriting. It’s a testament to the strength of the songs themselves, proving that they can stand tall even without the bells and whistles of full production.
While only the title track has been released at the time of this initial review, the anticipation for the full “Off the Record (Live Acoustic)” album is already high. Knowing the caliber of the tracks on her debut – the relatable narratives of “Love You Long,” the yearning in “Somebody In Love,” the thoughtful introspection of “People Think,” and the poignant emotion of “Visiting Hours” – the prospect of hearing these songs reimagined in such a raw and intimate setting is genuinely exciting.
Reynolds has already established herself as a formidable singer-songwriter, blending Nashville twang with a touch of Texas dance hall charm. Her previous work, including the successful “Perfect Timing” EP featuring the popular “She Ain’t Me,” showcased her ability to craft catchy melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics. Her collaborations and shared stages with prominent artists like Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum speak volumes about her rising stature in the country music scene.
“Off the Record (Live Acoustic)” promises to be more than just a collection of acoustic versions; it’s an opportunity to experience Reynolds’ artistry in its purest form. It’s a chance to appreciate the nuances of her vocal delivery, the intricacies of her songwriting, and the genuine connection she has with her music. The sparse instrumentation will likely highlight the lyrical content, allowing the stories within each song to take on a new dimension of intimacy and emotional depth.
The inclusion of a cover like Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” in the tracklist also adds an intriguing element. Reinterpreting such an iconic anthem in a stripped-down acoustic setting will be a fascinating showcase of Reynolds’ versatility and her ability to infuse familiar material with her own unique style.
As the bi-weekly releases continue to unfold leading up to the full album in the fall of 2025, “Off the Record (Live Acoustic)” is shaping up to be a compelling and insightful companion piece to Charly Reynolds’ debut. It’s a bold move for a rising artist, demonstrating a confidence in her core artistry and a desire to connect with her audience on a deeper, more authentic level. This acoustic reimagining is not just a sonic shift; it’s an invitation to truly hear the heart and soul of Charly Reynolds’ music.
Off The Record (Live Acoustic) Track List:
- “Another Man Will (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Jessi Pugh, Blaine Younger
- “Off the Record (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Sofie Lynn, Tyler Bank, Alex Kiel
- “People Think (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Chris Utley, Averie Bielski
- “Shade of Blue (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Elysse Yulo, Averie Bielski
- “Love You Long (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau
- “Freedom Ain’t Free (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Chris Utley
- “Visiting Hours (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Chris Utley
- “Seventeen (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Drake Freeman, Nicole Croteau
- “Hurt People Hurt (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Alex Kiel
- “Word on the Street (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Tony Croteau
- “Somebody In Love (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Chris Utley
- “I Will Survive (Live Acoustic)” – Freddie Perren, Dino Fekaris
- “Blame It On My Boots (Live Acoustic)” – Charly Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, Lydia Dall