HOLLIE ROGERS – Everything’s Fine – review – rootsy pop

HOLLIE ROGERS – Everything’s Fine – review
Independent

This happens every so often. The British Blues movement (of which I used to be an award-nominated part!) decides that someone is going to be the Next Big Thing. Think of Jo Harman, Goldie Reed, Elles Bailey*. This time, it’s going to be big. To be fair, Ms Harman and Ms Bailey have managed to navigate their way through although, naturally, I reckoned Goldie Reed was going to be the One. This is why you should never trust my advice.

Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. Thing is, none of them were / are blues singers. Had a few hefty arguments when I was programming my blues radio show. Good singers, all of them. A few great songs. But not blues singers. I’m no purist but it was all folky, singer songwritery, little bit of soul, Americana-ey.

And now the pendulum has swung again, and, after decades of performing, the Next Big Thing is Hollie Rogers. Four UK Blues Awards nominations, in 2026. Probably the least bluesy thing you’ll hear all year. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a really good record. It’s almost a pop record. I don’t know if the radiogram is still a thing with the kids but ‘He Reminds Me of You’ should be all over it.

‘Spaceman’, with an orchestral arrangement performed by The Budapest Symphony Orchestra will please your Mum. It’s just lovely. A couple of songs wander down the Melody Gardot jazz pop boulevard, and they’re just lovely as well. Ms Rogers has a lovely, rich voice. The accompaniment is top quality. Apparently, Ms Rogers music is playlisted in all Caffè Nero stores worldwide.

It’s out in many formats, and you can buy it on the internet. There is a store, and everything. If you like mellow, poppy, Carole King like songs, you will like this. I like it.

*Elles Bailey is on this recording.