Review: ‘Don’t Ever Stop: The Nashville Sessions’ – Steven Graves

Following on from his 2021 record ‘All Alone’, Steven Graves is back with a five song EP recorded in Downtown Nashville at the Ocean Way studios. The infamous studio has played host to the likes Kenny Chesney and Faith Hill in recent years and the quality of the facility coupled with the stellar band line up give off a tight, cohesive production. On to the songs themselves, I was rather impressed by Graves last offering, he is a good writer who knows how to craft a relatable song. The title track, nostalgic in it’s delivery, is a simple love song with a strong hook. Meanwhile, ‘Rich Man’ has lovely backing vocals delivered by Ariel Theirmann and Veronica McWoodson, layered well, supported by that organ sound synonymous with the Nashville sound. He closes with the storytelling ballad ‘ I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song’ which is possibly the strongest on the record, the emotion is palpable. Graves really impresses on his 10th studio album, his vocals have a laid back feel to them, it’s as if he was right at home in these recording sessions which is lovely to hear.