On Friday, December 11th, Cam will release her debut studio album titled ‘Untamed.’ The highly-touted California native has already been honored by Rolling Stone by having her album chosen as one of the 40 Best Country Albums of 2015, before the world was even given a listen. Luckily, New England Country Music was given an advanced listen to the album, and we loved what we heard! Check out our review of ‘Untamed‘ below, and make sure you get yourself a copy of the album.
1.) ‘Untamed’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Tyler Johnson and Casey Beathard.
Impression: The album kicks off with the title track and we love the way that Cam kicks it off. The song begins with the sound of crickets and a train in the background, really giving the listener that small town feel and then all of a sudden you get hit with the actual instrumental of the song. It’s a good punch to the ears. Throughout the song, Cam pays tribute to those bonfire parties, making memories that you’ll never forget. We particularly love the harmonica heard throughout the song. The track has an almost bayou feel to it. Cam describes this song as, “You can live in their world, or you can make up your own.”
Favorite Lyrics: Once we break that moonshine out, We do things we won’t live down…
2.) ‘Hungover on Heartache’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Tyler Johnson and Zachary Werner.
Impression: Ever had a little too much to drink and gotten into an awful verbal fight with your significant other? Said things that you shouldn’t have said. Maybe things you didn’t even mean. And the next day, you feel awful about it. Probably a little hurt and a little ashamed. Well, that’s what we’re getting from ‘Hungover on Heartache.’ Cam feels hungover after one of these fights and she’s telling her story through her song. Her vocals are really demonstrated through this track with her great range. She sums this one up by saying, “It takes a lot longer to fix it, than it does to say it.”
Favorite Lyrics: Yeah we’re tattooed with the words that won’t wash away…
3.) ‘Mayday’ – Written by Camaron Ochs and Tyler Johnson.
Impression: “Love yourself enough to be alone” is the mantra of Cam’s ‘Mayday,’ and that makes perfect sense after listening to this track. This song is beautiful as she equates a relationship to a sinking ship- this relationship just isn’t working, and it’s going down. The only thing to do is to signal that ‘Mayday’ distress call and abandon ship- abandon the relationship. It’s definitely a unique way of looking at a failing relationship and we love the way Cam does it with this song. The song is relatable, so fans will love it as they will attach themselves to this song because we may known that feeling or we be going through that feeling right now. And maybe Cam’s statement of “love yourself enough to be alone” is the what somebody needs to have the courage to end a relationship that just isn’t working for them anymore.
Favorite Lyrics: And we’ve been hopelessly holding too tight when we don’t even need to. And as the water fills this sinking ship I know we have to leave too…
4.) ‘Burning House’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Tyler Johnson and Jeff Bhasker.
Impression: Two words” GRAMMY. Nominated. Pretty much sums it up, no? If not, the GRAMMY-nominated song for Best Country Solo Performance has been a smash-hit for the California singer-songwriter. The song is chalked up with some phenomenal guitar throughout the song all while telling a true life story from Cam’s life- the story of her having a dream about someone she broke up with and the anxiety of seeing him again at an upcoming party. She has this dream about him stuck in a ‘Burning House,’ but she won’t let him stay there and die alone. While this may be the song of Cam’s young career thus far, it’s only the first of many hits for her. “Some things you can’t ever fix.” -Cam
Favorite Lyrics: Love isn’t all that it seems, I did you wrong. I’ll stay here with you ‘til this dream is gone…
5.) ‘Cold in California’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Tyler Johnson and Jeremy Spillman.
Impression: Cam says, “Love others enough to let them be themselves.” And that’s some great advice. ‘Cold in California’ describes the experience of letting someone go and chase their dream but letting them know that they know where they can find you if they ever need you. It kinda reminds us of Kip Moore’s ‘Running For You.’
Favorite Lyrics: I’ve got a soft spot for those, with the wind in their soul. Ain’t it funny what I love’s what made you go…
6.) ‘My Mistake’ – Written by Camaron Ochs and Tyler Johnson.
Impression: ‘My Mistake’ is a song that was on Cam’s ‘Welcome to Cam Country’ EP and was the first single off that EP. The track is a playful and upbeat song about accepting mistakes. The California native told Billboard Magazine, “Instead of trying to avoid all of that, it’s a reminder to me that I’m owning it, and I’m happening to life as much as it is happening to me.” It’s a fun and playful song about a one-night stand that is extremely catchy and addictive. If you love Cam’s bubbly personality, this song is for you. Cam says, “I’m happening to life as much as life is happening to me.”
Favorite Lyrics: And he’ll be gone before the mornin’ light. But he’s my mistake to make all night…
7.) ‘Runaway Train’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Anders Mouridsen and Jeff Bhasker.
Impression: Holy tempo! ‘Runaway Train’ is 3 minutes of high-tempo lyrics and heart-thumping music that equates a woman to a ‘Runaway Train’ – out of control and on a path of destruction after finding out her man had been lying to her about different things. The sweet and bright Cam isn’t so sweet and bright in ‘Runaway Train.’ “There is no freedom in hatred.” -Cam
Favorite Lyrics: My pistons are pounding, brakes are screaming your name. And when there’s nothing but wreckage and flames. And your misery is all that remains, I’ll feel human again…
8.) ‘Half Broke Heart’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Luke Laird and Tyler Johnson.
Impression: Cam introduces ‘Half Broke Heart’ by saying, “Protecting yourself is impossible.” We LOVE the sound of this song! From the keys in the beginning of the track to the banjo that can be heard throughout the song to Cam’s amazing vocals. ‘Half Broke Heart’ is a track that is relatable and for that reason, it will resonate with fans. We’ve all been in those relationships where we may not have been in love but still had feelings for the person and when they decide to call it off, it still stings. And that’s what this track is all about as Cam says in the first verse, “I wasn’t looking for a ring, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting.”
Favorite Lyrics: A half cold beer ain’t cold. I’ll be back soon is still gone. A half-smoked cigarette’s still smoked. And a half broke heart’s still broke…
9.) ‘Want It All’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, Tyler Johnson, and Phil Vassar.
Impression: ‘Want It All’ is all about chasing your dreams and fighting any adversity and challenge that tries to get in the way. Even when you’re down, keep fighting. Or as Cam says, “Spend your life chasing EXACTLY what you want.” We love the sound of Cam’s voice in that track- almost like a Shania Twain sound.
Favorite Lyrics: I won’t listen to your rumors, I won’t listen to your doubts. Too much ain’t enough, so don’t try to slow me down…
10.) ‘Country Ain’t Never Been Pretty’ – Written by Camaron Ochs and Anders Mouridsen.
Impression: If we knew any better, we’d think that Cam has a serious issue with another country singer. But we don’t think that’s the case here. ‘Country Ain’t Never Been Pretty’ is a good ‘ole country song simply saying that country music was never meant to be glamorous. The country life is all about hard work. It’s a great song and you’ll love this one as much as we do. “Don’t take yourself too seriously.” -Cam
Favorite Lyrics: She may be singin’ ‘bout the country and putting out the hits. But those boots sure never stepped in horseshit…
11.) ‘Village’ – Written by Camaron Ochs, David Manzoor and Natalie Murphy.
Impression: Cam ends her debut full-length album on a serious note with ‘Village.’ The track has this almost letter-like feeling to it, like she’s telling this person exactly what she feels through her song. Cam begins the song by saying, ‘Clare, don’t you dare believe them…’ which is what gives us that impression. While we don’t know who Clare is, it’s pretty apparent that she’s very loved. The song has an eerie feel to it, as it appears to be from the perspective of someone who has passed away but remains watching over ‘Clare.’ We can’t think of another song like it but we love the meaning of it. “Love & be loved and you will live forever.” -Cam
Favorite Lyrics: ‘Cause your whole heart’s a village. Everyone you love has built it…
With all these young artists who have release debut albums, we have seen so much great and promising talent. And that is not different with Cam. ‘Untamed‘ is pretty dang impressive for a debut album. She was able to balance songs with each other so one doesn’t outshine another. Cam co-wrote every single song on the album and we love the extra effort she took to provide little one-liners for each song, describing the overall meaning of the song to her. Cam is truly something special. A person with a wealth of talent but also a wealth of heart and goodness.
Buy your copy of ‘Untamed’ on iTunes here.