Elles Bailey: Can’t Take My Story Away Review

It is always an exciting time for me when I am able to review great artists I am not very familiar with. Such is the case with Elles Bailey. I had heard her name a few times and may have heard some of her music previously, but I had not really listened to just how amazing a vocalist and artist she truly is. With her new studio release, Can’t Take My Story Away, that issue has resolved itself.

This is the fifth studio release for Bailey, a singer, songwriter, and musician. Exposed to music at a young age by musical parents and her dad’s personal record collection, she progressed quickly to front an indie band as a teenager. Bailey reportedly developed her soulful, bluesy voice after being stricken with pneumonia as a young child. From there, she has risen to become a multi-award-winning artist in the blues genre, winning Artist of the Year from the UK Blues Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2023. She has opened or performed with notable artists such as Don McLean, Van Morrison, Eric Gales, Mike Farris, and Walter Trout.

“Growing Roots,” the second cut of the eleven-track album Can’t Take My Story Away, offers very sing-along-friendly lyrics paired with some great guitar work. Elles Bailey sings, “It’s like I’m growing roots. They’re growing right into you.” By the way, you can catch the official video for this catchy tune on YouTube. “Better Days,” which also has an official video on YouTube, delivers more great, soulful vocals along with some really nice guitar fills. “People, I know we’re bound for better days. I said people, better days will come our way.” If this song does not lift you up, then you must be tied down tight to the ground.

Track eight of Can’t Take My Story Away is “Angel.” It is an upbeat tune with a really nice groove and an R&B feel. Bailey sings, “Whenever you’re lost to the darkness, I’ll be your angel. We all have times when we get so afraid.” “Tightrope” is a slower-paced ballad and is really nicely done. “The harder you hurt, the brighter you burn, the faster you go up in flames.” Throughout this great album, I cannot help but hear reminders of Bonnie Bramlett in her early career, and for me, that is comparing Elles Bailey to one of the greats.

As I do with many reviews, I went back and listened to other recordings to refresh my memory and expand my knowledge of the artist. I did this with Elles Bailey and simply find her career and talent to be growing stronger and stronger. For those not very familiar with her music, I would suggest checking out some of her previous works, after listening to Can’t Take My Story Away, of course. She will also be touring in Europe and the USA in 2026, and as always, live performances are often the best way to experience what an artist is truly about. We should all look forward to hearing more great music from Elles Bailey in the future.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Growing Roots
– Better Days
– Angel
– Tightrope

The Big Hit

– Growing Roots