Bebe Stockwell‘s Volume 1
Review by Louise Geri

Bebe Stockwell in the Volume 1 photoshoot – photo by Katherine Goguen

The most shocking thing about Bebe Stockwell’s second album Volume 1 might not be her bold claim that when love is right, you just know it, or her preference for the more temperate New England climate over the always warm Los Angeles climate. Rather, your biggest surprise might be learning that Stockwell is 24 years old.

Stockwell’s voice provided great company as I sewed while listening to the album for the first time. Because of her lower-pitched voice leaning surprisingly far into classical singing style for a commercial artist, I automatically assumed she was middle-aged.

But no, Stockwell is just really good at placing the Joni-Mitchell-Joan-Baez-Noah-Kahan Americana-folk sound into the mouth of an old soul. The opening track, “When You Know, ”reminds me of “The Story” by Brandi Carlile, “Whole Lotta Little” by Emily Ann Roberts, and “California” by Joni Mitchell. It feels like a letter from a wise elder to whom you ask for advice on whether you’re marrying the right person.

Bebe Stockwell playing Bumbershoot last August, – photo by Kirk Stauffer for Guitar Girl Magazine

“Wild Love,” upon opening, makes me think of the Highwaymen. Following a humming intro that could be construed as either ominous or adventurous, Stockwell sings about a lover reminding her of an animal – albeit a slightly inappropriate one, “You took the lead then showed me your teeth, said the sex we have is incredible.” Music in the Americana genre is known for being the home of a lot of protest music, particularly in the 60s and 70s. In a way, this slightly rash line pays homage to the Beat generation rejection of politeness culture.

Stockwell brings Wesley Schultz in for “Ant Farm.” The lyricism is stunning, “I was jealous of the dreams that kept you alive.” The song is full of nostalgia for a rural childhood love, reminiscent of many old country songs.

“Hard to Find,” while sweet and harmonious, is a little too happy-go-lucky. When the chorus kicks in, driven by oohs, I shamefully find myself imagining a Windex commercial. The lyrics are not lacking, however. “Undress my secrets, kiss my ugly” is a lovely moment of personification.

I’m transported to Noah Kahan’s “Maine” and “Stick Season” upon hearing the intro of “New England Regret.” Stockwell mourns her upbringing in the northeastern US. Her discussion of wholesome small-town details like everyone knowing each other’s names screams Stars Hollow. It makes me laugh, as someone west coast-born and raised, when she understandably frowns upon the passive aggression common in my neck of the woods.

“Going to the Country” feels like a moment out of Kacey Musgraves’ 2024 Deeper Well album. Stockwell has the energy of a wood nymph, “I’m sick and tired of feeling like nature doesn’t exist.” The song joins modern ways of life with the human need to be grounded, using, “My job, it is remote” to justify leaving for somewhere quieter.

Bebe Stockwell playing Showbox SoDo last October, photo by Kirk Stauffer for Guitar Girl Magazine

Stockwell leans into pop-country with “Adeline,” sharing a general topic with “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, and similarly being in a minor key. The song even contains a hint of bluegrass (high lonesome harmonies, perhaps?) The lyricism is blunt and strong, “You don’t love me like you used to, though you say you do/tell me that and look me in the eyes.” She almost wails “Adeline” as she riffs the name in despair over the possibility of another woman.

Singer/songwriter Grace Enger, known in the Gracie Abrams-sphere of pop, joins Stockwell for the closer, “Look At Us Now.”Enger’s more commercial voice provides an interesting complement to Stockwell’s classical. I wish the entire song would keep up the more stable melody of the pre-chorus, but Stockwell instead continues the ooh-ing in the choruses, which has lost the power it held in earlier songs, having already appeared in “Hard to Find” and “Going to the Country.” Thankfully, this is a genre where lyricism is prioritized and therefore effective no matter your melodic preferences. The hook (which is just the title) is heartwarming. The final verse touches on the dangerous humans-are-machines mentality, “Oh, tired Sophie, do you have to work two jobs? Your back’s all tied in knots, I swear to God you work too hard.” It’s a sweet way to close the record.

Volume 1 is the perfect title for this album. There’s no groundbreaking message, merely a feeling. It feels like a collection of old folk tales with the overarching theme of a foggy morning in the rolling hills, sipping tea and watching goats roam a pasture. Listen to Volume 1 by Bebe Stockwell on all streaming platforms now.

Bebe Stockwell in the Volume 1 photoshoot – photo by Katherine Goguen