Songs Worth Your Time: Amber Lawrence

Suburban Cowgirl is my new album. This is my 8th studio album and is a celebration of my 21 years in the business - going from ordinary suburban girl from Mascot Sydney to an established country artist.

The album is 15 tracks, written and co-written by me with some of my favourite collaborators including Melanie Dyer, Phil Barton and Kyle Sackley. It’s an album of friendship, family, and chasing dreams at whatever stage of life you’re in. Alongside the album, I released a children’s book called ’The Suburban Cowgirl’ which playfully explains who I did in fact build this dream (but unlikely) career - told through the eyes of 8 year old ‘Amber’. The album debuted at number 1 on the ARIA All-Genre charts.

Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life to Begin

This song for me is about grief, saying goodbye. It’s something i have experienced (haven’t we all - but it brings comfort in believing that there is no more suffering. I first fell in love with this song when it was used in a beautiful scene in the sitcom ’Scrubs’. Supreme songwriting on display.

The Pretenders - I’ll Stand by You

This has always been my favourite song, I walked down the aisle to this song. 

Melinda Schneider - Story of My life

One of my earliest influences as a songwriter. This song helped break Melinda Schneider as star, and is lyrically and melodically beautiful and addictive.

Kasey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow

Perfection and motivating. I love Kasey Musgrave's easy lyrics (which are not easy to write at all). This song also serves as inspiration to keep on your path.

Jewel - You Were Meant for Me

I listened to Jewel’s ‘pieces of you’ album over and over through heartbreak, and this song taught me how tiny details in songs are so important. 

Luke O’Shea - The Drover’s Wife

As a modern day drover (singer songwriter) this song hits hard. We are leaving our loved ones all the time to go in search of the muse, and perform for others. 

Melanie Dyer - Memphis TShirt

Pure class contemporary country song-writing from one of my favourite collaborators. You won’t be able to get this song out of your head.

Alison Krauss - Stay

I let my heart break to this song in 2002 when i was starting to write my very first songs. This song hits hard every time - it’s so vulnerable and sad. And everytime I hear it i’m taken back to that heartbreak. A sign of a very good song. 

Lee Brice - Woman Like You

Co-written by Aussie Phil Barton, who i’ve been lucky enough to work with for many years. This is such a catchy and clever song - which hit number 1 in the USA! 

Leann Rimes - Blue

The reason i’m a country singer. I heard this song, and immediately wanted to sing like Leann Rimes. I have a style influenced by using that vocal break, thanks to Leann.