“...a magical collection of soul-deep songs... the strength, perseverance, and determination inherent in the Midwest colors the lyrics of every song on the album. And the lyrics are a rich treasure trove of word-smithing of the highest order; the vulnerability and resolve of the characters in her songs are relatable and raw. Fleshed out with a rootsy, full-band sound, her songs soar, tiptoe, swing, and sway down a sometimes lonely, sometimes joyous, dusty trail through the big sky plains. It’s heady and heartwarming, melancholy and sad, engaging and inspiring, all at once.”

“Now, an independent artist may have a much harder time getting those radio opportunities, but the exceptional songs necessary to make it happen are here on this disc. And beyond individual potential hits, Hope Dunbar has assembled a great full-album listening experience, too, on Sweetheartland.”

“Singing with a heartfelt, confessional vocal, Dunbar lays out her own interpretation of Prine’s songs as she makes thoughtful references to his lyrics. Backed by a big alt-country sound and plenty of harmonica, the song properly taps into that heartland twang. With Prine leaving us unexpectedly last year, the song feels especially poignant since there is no way we will ever have too many tributes. As the song builds, Dunbar unleashes soulful vocals that are backed by gospel-like background singers, making for a song that captures a beautiful mood.”

““...pin your ears to what this virtually unknown mother from middle America is doing, because it’s leagues better than most, and the ideal of what post alt-country roots music should sound like.””

“This is the kind of music I’ve been looking for since I started Adobe & Teardrops. Dunbar has an awesome heartland rock sound while staying true to herself, something that, frankly, I haven’t seen many women who go for that sound really succeed at.”

“Hope Dunbar appears to have reached her destination for the time being, but we all know songwriters rarely stand still. However let’s pause for a moment and reflect on an album close to the bone, straight from the heart and right on an intelligent spot. SWEETHEARTLAND not only draws level with its peers, but has the superiority to power ahead. A prudent example of not wasting an inch of a compact template. ”

“And Hope Dunbar, from little Utica, Nebraska, caught me off guard with some incredible language and truth telling, including the mystical, “We Want.” It’s these kind of surprises in the after-midnight hours when the endorphins of music ecstacy meet the endorphins of fatigue, that make Folk Alliance special.””

“Call it an album of routines and shattered dreams. Call it a small masterpiece.””

“This is an album filled with vivid stories not unlike the ones you’ll find on Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska. If you are a fan of the craft of songwriting, this is definitely an album you should check out.”