Where You Used To Be is the folksy debut album from singer, songwriter, guitarist, and poet Alison Tucker.

By Graeme Smith

Rich with poetry and storytelling right from the off, album opener New Lover paints a picture of a delicate dance, expressively delivered by Tucker’s vocals with are half-sung, half-whispered. There’s a sultriness to it all that proves instantly gripping.

When You Close Your Eyes slows things down for a soulful country moment that’s rich with intimacy while More Time proves a particularly wistful number. Three Quarter Time is a memorable highlight thanks to its waltzing rhythm and country narrative. Long Sleeves is poignant and Carousel of Colors ends the album in whimsical, nostalgic style.

For Tucker, this debut has been a long time coming. She’s lived a life, experiencing corporate success, marriage, motherhood, divorce, and profound loss, and never gave up on making music.

“I’m a charismatic, gregarious queer woman with a passion for storytelling—on stage, in song, and in life,” she says. “This album marks the beginning of my second chance at a dream I once thought I had missed—because life had other plans.”

I rarely get treated to storytelling as rich and nuanced as it is in Alison Tucker’s debut. It’s a true joy to listen to in every sense of the word.

Where You Used To Be is out now and you can give it a listen below.