‘In A Bad Way’ feels truer to Taylor’s southern roots than her better known ultra-folk work in Azure Ray, but terms like “roots” are always complicated.
The problem here is that blues don’t really feel like the roots of Taylor’s music whatever her geographical extractions. Everything feels a bit neutered and Mannerist on ‘In A Bad Way’ like Taylor is trying to “reference” blues without really embracing the spirit.
Far stronger is the third track on the single, a demo of ‘Orchids’ from 2009’s Ladyluck album. Worth it really for the version of ‘Orchids’ but anyone who’s listening already owns the album from whence it came. Another pop dilemma.
