I have to say that I LOVE female vocalists. I can't get enough of them and their sweet clear crisp voices. The Hush Sound's Greta Salpeter has the blessed ability to do amazing things with her voice on their newest album, Goodbye Blues. As she touches the edge between falsetto and belting on their track "Molasses" she proves her worth in the band. She also takes a leading stance with her powerful piano playing, which if I may say stays true to the feel of the Grand Piano and Upright bar piano they use to replicate the old blues sound. All of the members know their instruments and make them sing.

Musically this album isn't perfect, but its pretty damn close. The band has a way of popping out riffs that make you stare at the wall and think 'Why couldn't I write that?' Really the only outright criticism I have of the album is the male vocals heard on a few tracks. True, he has a style that fits with the guitar riffs he follows but it seems odd in comparison to the female vocals. The guy has good professional training but he sits on the notes like they're never going to go anywhere. In pop rock you want to force everything forward with the vocals. Make the listener try to catch you so that they don't get bored figuring out what your next line is going to be. Greta does a superb job of sending the band racing ahead full speed ahead.

The Hush Sound doesn't quite have the talent to rival Rilo Kiley in a pop dual, falling short in pure gusto. Their last track, "Break the Sky", has the rhythm and flow to rival 'Money Maker' but just needs more polishing and a good dose of musical drive. The Hush Sound doesn't really break any boundaries but they do a great job of following in the footsteps of their musical big sister. They sit in the ruts of music from the last five years but could easily start taking things to the next level. Do things that aren't possible, play guitar riffs that make your hand bleed. Nothing on the album seems like it can't be taken just that much farther. They seem to be avoiding the scary side of professional music and sticking with the things they know they can do.

If you're still up in the air on whether to get this album be prepared for another pop rock album. For all of their attempts to use true blues they still get crammed into the pop rock genre with every other band that they are competing with. If you're looking for another album to add to your ever growing collection in iTunes then go ahead and get this. If you only buy albums when they knock you off your feet I'd hang back. Their track "Medicine Man"" was the only track to get my blood rushing. Bar piano plus powerful female vocals has an amazing affect over me.

Review by Wyatt Parks