Saskatchewan’s Shantaia Poulin has now released her first album with “Exes and Friends.” The 2022 Sirius XM Top of the Country finalist is quickly making a name for herself in Canada while trying to take over Nashville.
“Exes and Friends” has 10 songs, 2 of them which are bonus tracks, alternate versions of another songs on the album. 4 of the 8 songs she has released prior to the album including the Top 40 hit “Broke to Brand New” and her current single “Know You.” In the day and age of streaming it isn’t hard to believe a fair number of the songs would be released prior to the album. The oldest song is just shy of 2 years old which is “Had A Good Weekend.”
Songs like “Curfew” and “Damaged Goods” really stand out of the 4 previously unreleased songs, especially as they are fun and upbeat. Though “Best Yet” is a song I feel many listeners of the album will be able to relate to as it is about being the stepping stone in someone’s journey to finding their partner.
The title track “Exes and Friends” is as slow as a song can get. The piano ballad is a nice touch to round out the rather upbeat album. I am left wondering why title tracks for some albums are the slower songs.
The 10 track album has a run time of 31 min 27 secs.
Track Listing:
1. Curfew
2. Broke To Brand New
3. Had A Good Weekend
4. Know You
5. Damaged Goods
6. Hungover You
7. Best Yet
8. Exes and Friends
Bonus Tracks:
Know You (Piano Version)
Had A Good Weekend (Acoustic)
I think this is a great first album from Shantaia with 3 of the 4 new songs could be singles. Not being on a major label could make them reaching the heights of “Broke To Brand New” difficult. I can’t say there isn’t a song I don’t like on “Exes and Friends,” but unsure if there is another song to breakthrough the crowded market like “Broke To Brand New” did. I will be interested in seeing what impact the album has on her immediate career over 2023. I think it’s a big step towards what could be big things for the Top of the Country finalist. The album is definitely worth a listen especially if you are not familiar with her work.
I give “Exes and Friends” a 7.5/10.
-Everett
