Chocolate Princess by Auriel Andrew

Chocolate Princess is the second album from Auriel Andrew. It was recorded the year she moved from South Australia to Tamworth, New South Wales – the centre of country music Australia. The album’s label (Opal Records) was based in West Tamworth and with this move, Andrew quickly established herself on the local circuit, performing at festivals, events, bars and venues.

Chocolate Princess presents Andrew after initial rush and excitement of her early career. The country twang of her younger voice has developed into a deeper and richer tone; her vocal is delivered with a depth of emotion gathered from personal life experience and acquired confidence.

Her rendition of 'Let It Rain Let Him Cry', is a poignant statement. With a simple word replacement, (the original song is, '…Let Her Cry'), Andrew flips country music tradition, staking her claim as a calm, confident women and transferring the weaker role to her masculine counterparts.

'Honky Tonk Man' shows Andrew's matured vocal range at some of its best for this era. This classic country ballad is steeped in nostalgia, revelling in memories and a touch of heartache. Andrew holds true to the country music tradition, delivering the Honky Tonk Man’s story with growling vocals and rousing chorus in a tone that clearly states it’s on her own terms.