Review: ‘Givin’ a Damn (Don’t Go with My Outfit)’ – Pamela Hopkins

Pamela Hopkins’ has had a successful career in law enforcement and as an English teacher, the latter of which has no doubt helped her when it comes to crafting lyrics. For this latest EP, Hopkins tries to establish music as her full time job and why not? Her voice is unique, a slight southern twang to it reminiscent of Jennifer Nettles country drawl, giving the music an authentic tone from the off. In the opening track ‘Crankin Up The Crazy’ we hear a lot of personality flowing through the lyrics and melody and you find yourself tapping along on first listen. One of the highlights for me is her duet with Matt Dame, ‘Little Things’. The love ballad is uplifting and features a really strong production whilst the pair’s voices really work together. ‘Givin a Damn (Don’t Go with My Outfit)’ the title track is more of a country rock track and we see a whole new side to Hopkins vocals as she belts out that chorus. Packed with power, we see a fiery side to Hopkins and this is the side I want to hear more of! The guitar solo is also a welcome sound in a song like this. It’s a great collection from the Arkansas native.