All too often duets albums are released by performers who are friends rather than lovers. They have a certain camaraderie, but any love songs they sing don’t quite ring true. So it’s refreshing to hear Adam & Brooke, the new album by real-life lovebirds Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont.
I’m far from the biggest country music fan, but this album quickly won me over. I was smitten by the single “Train Wreck” on its release, but as I listened I discovered there are so many great songs on this album. They explore the good times and the hard times, the sexy times and the struggles. It seems this duo can do everything, from playful tracks like “Love on the Loose” to beautiful ballads like “Smooth.” Stripped back tunes like “Not How I Feel” and “Glad” are particularly affecting.
Separately these country artists have fantastic voices, but the chemistry when they harmonise is off the charts. But this album’s beauty is about more than pretty notes. There’s real truth behind the songs, and that’s so compelling. You hear the yearning, the passion, and the love they have for one another coming through in these powerful tracks.
Between them, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont have 12 Golden Guitars, two APRA awards, and two ARIAs. I wouldn’t be surprised if they add to their already bulging trophy cases with this release. It’s just that good.
Adam & Brooke is in stores now. The talented twosome is currently playing shows together around the country. Here are all the remaining dates.
2 March 2018 – Armidale Ex Serviceman’s Club, Armidale
3 March 2018 – Southwest Rocks Country Club, Southwest Rocks
8 March 2018 – Leftys Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
9 March 2018 – Lone Star Tavern, Gold Coast
10 March 2018 – South Acacia Ridge Sports Club, Brisbane South
16 & 17 March 2018 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
6 April 2018 – Young Services Club, Young
7 April 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
12 April 2018 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 April 2018 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
14 April 2018 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2018 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27 April 2018 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 April 2018 – Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail
11 May 2018 – Brothers Leagues, Cairns
12 May 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
13 May 2018 – Mt Pleasant, Mackay
15 May 2018 – Glenmore Tavern, Rockhampton
16 May 2018 – Hervey Road Tavern, Gladstone
17 May 2018 – Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg
18 May 2018 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
19 May 2018 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba
31 May 2018 – Coomealla Club, Dareton
1 June 2018 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
3 June 2018 – Boston Bay Wines, Port Lincoln
6 June 2018 – Ceduna Memorial Hall, Ceduna
10 June 2018 – Mumballup Tavern, Donnybrook
14 June 2018 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
15 June 2018 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
16 June 2018 – Odd Fellow, Fremantle
19 June 2018 – Kalgoorlie Hotel, Kalgoorlie
22 June 2018 – Musicians Club, Broken Hill
23 June 2018 – Cobar Bowling & Golf Club, Cobar
29 June 2018 – Woodburn Evans Head RSL, Evans Head
30 June 2018 – Bush to Bay Music Festival, Hervey Bay
7 July 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia