Bridget Pross

Bridget Pross takes her schtick somewhere darker and – though I hate to use the term in this context – mature with I Wanted To, finding her fine voice caressed by a string section and a lovely, sad arrangement.

There is simply no reason why someone like Pross couldn’t be a music superstar if the yoof broadcaster wasn’t so impressed by post-hardcore-emo-whatever and if commercial radio wasn’t busy sucking its own dick. For shame, radio!

- Clem Bastow
- Inpress Magazine - April 2008

Bridget Pross has been touted as Hobart’s answer to Missy Higgins. Like Higgins, Pross is a husky-voiced singer/songwriter who produces songs with earthy tones and soulful lyrics. Her debut album I Wanted To is a stunning creation, although it does take a few listens to fully appreciate both the quality and originality. The songs are richly textured, having more in common with rock than country.

Recorded in Miami, the album originally began life as a six-track EP, but Pross went back to America last year and recorded another six tracks and amalgamated all her work for the album. This interrupted recording pattern has added character, diversity and a little edge to the rock, folk, roots and country songs.

Fortunately, it hasn’t distracted from the intimate feel and the sophisticated sound that highlights the warmth in Pross’s voice, the sweet acoustic guitar, the maturity of her words and the simple beauty of her better arrangements. The frame of reference effortlessly spans country, blues, jazz and many shades of pop, but the reflective songs are among her most profound, organic and affecting. The net result is smart, personal and potent album.

Stephen Davenport - Independent Weekly - March 2008