Charlotte Day Wilson: Alpha

Alpha was the "debut" studio album by Charlotte Day Wilson and released through her independent label Stone Woman Music. While Alpha is technically her debut studio album, Wilson previously released a few EPs prior to Alpha. Palimpsest in 2012, CDW in 2016, and Stone Woman in 2018. CDW featured the song Work, which gained Wilson critical acclaim and well-deserved notoriety.

With the release of Alpha Wilson received much critical recognition. At the 2022 Juno Awards she was nominated for Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. Her past work, unique style, exceptional songwriting skills, and vocal talents have resulted in great anticipation for work yet to come.

On Alpha Wilson sings with a spiritual power that is reminiscent of Dusty Springfield and Nina Simone. While her style is more modern and experimental, her core is quite similar. Great lyrics, great voice, great musical balance.

The Vinyl Me, Please pressing of Alpha is adequate. It leaves much to be desired from a manufacturing perspective. In the literal sense, it is a rough pressing. The vinyl's edges are rough, the grooves are rough, and the packaging is rough. Ironically, the sound is not bad. There are moments where the pops and cracks are a little much, but they tend to come and go. That said, the dynamic range is acceptable for a self-produced and released record. There’s an excellent array of instrumentation to compliment Wilson's beautiful vocals.

TRACK LIST
1. Strangers
2. I Can Only Whisper (feat. BADBADNOTGOOD)
3. If I Could
4. Lovesick Utopia
5. Mountains
6. Danny’s Interlude
7. Changes
8. Take Care of You (feat. Syd)
9. Keep Moving
10. Wish It Was Easy
11. Adam Complex

The Vinyl Me, Please release of Alpha is not worth the money for what you get. It is effectively the same pressing, just not on colored vinyl. Therefore, a better option would be to grab the Stone Woman Music release at your local record store. It is also less expensive. However, if you like colored vinyl go for the VMP release. Either way you are getting a wonderful and listenable effort from Charlotte Day Wilson even if it is not the best pressing. 💵

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass