Scott Ivey releases his first EP Fair-Weather Friend on Spectra in January, the perfect way to start the new year. The award-winning singer-songwriter from Cottondale, Alabama takes his fans on a musical rollercoaster that explores the complexities of platonic, romantic, and spiritual relationships. The rock album features a strong backbeat, electric guitars, and the raw influence of country music. Each song gives a unique experience of the ups and downs of various relationships with masterful lyricism. Fair-Weather Friend gives its listeners a new perspective on relationships and an embrace of faith.
“She’s Lying’ begins with soft vocals and guitar strumming that explodes into hard-hitting drums, intense guitar rhythms, and raspy vocals. The song speaks of the conflict Scott Ivey faces when a woman’s looks cloud her words. Scott Ivey sings, “Her smile could melt away my fears/ But when she whispers in my ear/ Something tells me she’s lying.” A woman’s looks distract him from her true intentions, but his intuition makes him cautious. “She’s Lying” takes its listeners through an energetic musical experience while teaching them to trust their gut to avoid getting hurt.
“Miracle” immediately pulls you in with the emotional guitar ballad and soulful vocals of Scott Ivey. The song is a revelation of the kind of love you never knew you needed and a newfound appreciation of it. Scott Ivey speaks of love as a “miracle” because it comes when everything seems hopeless because of past heartbreaks. However, the song shows that someone can come along and change your whole perspective on love. “Miracle” is the perfect song to listen to when your love life is in shambles, and you need hope to find that special someone.
The song takes a turn to “Fair-Weather Friend”, a raw energetic song with powerful lyrics of an abandoned friendship to match. “Fair-Weather Friend” speaks to those who experienced friends who flake on you or who never reciprocate what you do for them. Scott Ivery sings, “It’s over before it begins/ I will miss you/ Miss you/ I will miss you/ Fair-weather friend.” Scott Ivey nips a blossoming friendship with a selfish person before it begins. “Fair-Weather Friend” is a song that shows the superficiality of friendship and the strength to walk away.
Fair-Weather Friend ends with “Reaching” a dynamic song about faith and having a relationship with God. While most of the songs on the album focus on earthly relationships, “Reaching” focuses on a spiritual bond. Scott Ivey sings about needing to “feel” God and knowing that He is there somewhere but wanting a closer relationship. The song expresses a sense of fulfillment that only God can provide and “reaching” for Him. “Reaching” is a beautiful song of faith with a choir of background vocals that embraces faith.
With three decades of musical experience under his belt, Scott Ivey’s Fair-Weather Friend is a testament to the talent and quality of his work. Scott Ivey stays true to the rock genre but is not afraid to sprinkle in some of his homegrown country soul. From emotional guitar ballads to energic rock anthems, the album truly is a rollercoaster experience that keeps listeners on their toes. Scott Ivey once said, “Music is, and has always been, my life and passion” and it shows in Fair-Weather Friend.
Written by Kyla Hutchinson