The New York Times’ Names Kalie Shorr’s 'Open Book' Among The Best Albums of 2019

More Than the Music alum Kalie Shorr’s new album ‘Open Book’ deserves every bit of recognition it gets — and the folks at The New York Times seem to be in agreement with all of us here at #MTTM! Open Book is the Only Country Album on the NYT List, and additionally Variety Labels it “2019’s Best Freshman Country Effort”.

Kalie Shorr is a sweet angel baby and the writing and craftsmanship on this album are as fabulous as she is. Give it a listen below!

More about Open Book:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 5, 2019) -- Nashville non-conformist, Kalie Shorr, is kicking off December on the road with LeAnn Rimes and receiving major accolades along the way. Today, The New York Times released their Best Albums of 2019 list which included Taylor Swift’s Lover (14), Lana Del Ray’s Norman ___ Rockwell (6), Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next (11) and other major all-genre records released over the past year. At No. 7 on pop music critic Jon Caramanica’s list lands Shorr’s Open Book, her debut full-length album released in September. It was the only Country release chosen by the renowned critic.

“Open Book, by the relative newcomer Kalie Shorr, is the sort of gut-wrenching album made by someone who understands how vital and detailed country music can be, and who is faithful to its heritage (including its lineage of resistance). Everyone in Nashville is likely hoping to sandpaper her into something just a little bit less confrontational; fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.” - Jon Caramanica, The New York Times

Asked her initial reaction to this honor Shorr says, “Honestly, I can’t even believe it. I poured my entire heart and soul (even the darkest corners) into this album. For the first time, all that I factored in while creating this was self-exploration and healing. To have that be received by fans and critics alike is all I could have ever hoped for. I’m so honored to be included on a list with some of my personal favorite albums of the year as well.”

Recent reviews include:

“Kalie Shorr turned in 2019’s best freshman country effort.” -- Chris Willman, Variety

“A word to a gaslit girl from one who's wisened up, this rocker is as gleefully mean as Avril Lavigne's finest and as sisterly as something by the Dixie Chicks. Hot stuff from one of Nashville's most promising.” — Ann Powers, NPR Music

“Listen to the music and it becomes clear that Shorr hasn’t sensationalized her heartbreak and grief. Instead, she’s expertly navigated it and turned it into something artful.” -- Nancy Kruh, People

“For several years running, Kalie Shorr has been one of country music’s most promising new artists — for how she melds an appreciation of the genre’s roots with an unabashed love for emo and pop, for her cutting songwriting, and for how she’s made her feminism a vital part of her musical perspective.” - Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone

“With Open Book, Kalie Shorr channels both her inner Dolly Parton and her inner Alanis Morissette. She leans in to country music’s story-song tradition – and almost no detail is too personal to share – but her deeply specific verses intertwine with universally relatable choruses. High school me would have stanned this album hard (and that’s a high compliment!).” - Angela Stefano, The Boot

“Push past all the emotions Shorr leads with to find sublime songwriting and brilliant use of literary devices. The lyrics on this album, while at times unhinged, specific and shocking, are also perfect for who she is, right now. She has rare grit and the kind of courage they don't manufacture on Music Row.” - Billy Dukes, Taste of Country

Respected rock music critic Craig Manning tweeted, “Big release day in general, but there are two records in particular that I very highly recommend,” and after touting Sturgill Simpson’s new LP, he went on. “The other is the debut album, Open Book from Kalie Shorr which is like Red era Taylor Swift, plus A Mark, A Mission era Dashboard Confessional, plus the first two Avril Lavigne albums. ‘Lullaby’ is immediately in the pantheon of all-time great breakup songs.”

Shorr is currently on tour with LeAnn Rimes for her “You and Me and Christmas” Tour and will be playing Nashville’s New Year’s Eve concert, Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight, with Keith Urban, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, The Struts, Amanda Shires, Bren Joy and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.