Susan Krebs croons and swoons on 'Everything Must Change'

“Are ya havin' any fun,” Susan Krebs croons on the last track from her latest album Everything Must Change. And the correct answer is yes we are.

Krebs’s Everything Must Change is a delightful and rich eight-track romp that delves deep into visceral and pure jazz sounds. Krebs’s voice takes center stage on Change as warm saxophone and percussion sounds pervade effortlessly behind. Each song has a similar mid-tempo feel, giving listeners the impression of a seamless and continuous song.

For example, as listeners transition from Krebs’s “Lost in the Stars” to “Wheels and Dealers,” they glide on a melodious and euphoric jazz cloud, filled with lighter-than-air sonics, a hearty bravado, and titling kettle drums. Sound aesthetics are in the forefront of Everything Must Change, and Krebs makes this clear with the way her songs seem to flow from one into the other.

The album’s highlight is the title track. The middle song on the album, “Everything Must Change” has a slightly higher tempo compared to the rest of the songs. Krebs really shows off her vocals when she declares triumphantly, “Everyone will change—no one stays the same.” Glittering and boisterous bass sounds augment this track’s powerful and playful vibe.

Perhaps the darkest and most bluesy song, “Our Love Rolls On” appears towards the ends of the album. Krebs breathily sings, “The sky grows dark and the winds do blow,” with much deeper bass sounds helping her out. The track is pure blues bliss and the perfect soundtrack for an evening nightcap.

Everything Must Change is quite the enjoyable listen. Bluesy and bold, jazzy and jovial, Susan Krebs's latest installment is truly a feast for the ears.

Susan Krebs is an accomplished singer and actress for both the stage and screen. A graduate from Hollins University, Krebs has appeared in several Off-Broadway productions, television shows like Mad Men, and films like Million Dollar Baby. Her first foray into jazz music was the release of her 1999 solo record Jazz Gardener. She has since released three other albums, including 2007’s critically lauded Jazz Aviary.

Everything Must Change is available everywhere.