Category: Music

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By: Gregg Keniston

Growing up on 90s women in music, specifically country music, I can’t believe I never came across Jo Dee Messina until AFTER college. Well, better late than never! I say this because, just from seeing her profile on Instagram, she is always upbeat, smiley, and vibrant; as I try and hope to be to audiences close and afar. Her hits like “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “I’m Alright” shine through this album with the continuation of overall brightness, and Messina’s spunky attitude. Bridges reflects growth without changing your sound, and sometimes, that just works!

Welcome to the Show

Lyrically, I immediately thought of Circus by Britney Spears and Funhouse by P!nk because of the carnival-themed phrasing. That caught my attention first-hand because who doesn’t love a good big top visual? The colors, the kooky, the imagery is enough to entice you in. Then you get Jo Dee Messina’s tonality like a carousel, in an up-and-down motion. The best part, like most of the record, the sound and production are simple and not overdone, allowing her vocals to playfully shine. It is a gold-star opener.

Some Bridges

The title-track sets ablaze for freedom. Taking advice and following the best route to the ‘T’ is the easiest, safest method to get through the day-to-day. But, then you’ll never build a durable framework in lessons and growth. Messina sings of going down both pathways and finding trial and error through both. But, ultimately some bridges are meant to burn for the better. “Some Bridges” steadily keeps the listener’s ear with encouragement and a forward mindset.

Days You Don’t Get Back

Man, if this song isn’t a slap in the face, in a good way. We spend so much of our time anticipating 18 and 21 respectively. When we get here, we are dumbfounded where the time’s gone and what’s coming down the line. And yes, the fun is certainly rooted in the journey as much as the arrival. But, this song is a good “bridge” between tracks especially for the younger crowd, as it’s a signal to just slow down a bit and enjoy. Is it a highlight track? Maybe not, but the sound and lyrics lay a memorable flashback for us millennials and older while, teaching a mini lesson.

Where the Cowboys Ride

This song is playful at its finest, mixing in some grit and manual labor. Messina, won’t be looking for a suit-and-tie, prim and proper man. She, like many, want to get back to the rough wranglers and dirt divers that built the strongest backbone of yesterday. If for no other reason, this song fits and belongs on this record because of its bright and fun lyrics. Let’s face it, the ladies will LOVE it because so many, want the rugged ways returned.

Can Anybody

I’ve never had a song hit home recently as hard as this. As much as I know God is with me, and God always directing me first, it’s a mess of a life and a world we live in; when you take a step back. And I know I’m not alone in this. We’re all asking for a voice to echo back in our darkest hours. The fronts we display, the armor we wear, and the questions we ask ourselves; often still feel hollow until, there’s that one moment in the week, or the month of light that makes every day worth while. Can anybody, be someone’s light and uplifting spirit? Try it. Even stranger to stranger, because everyone’s a stranger until you connect. And we all have a struggle or two, so let’s carry each other across those “bridges”.

Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful

“Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful” is my favorite of the record, it’s the highlight. Not only from its high notes, but the message is timeless and it still needs to be understood today. Too much negative, too much discouragement, along with so much conflict; can only bring morale down enough to where we become desensitized to it, or don’t even bother trying. As hard as it can be, rise above. Make sure you are living for you and your happy so that you can spread that happy and positivity to others. Shying away from yourself will only give dissuaders the upper hand and ammunition, so give it all you got. You might as well make the best of the one chance at life you get.

Message in a Bottle

It’s the most lyrically creative song I’ve heard in turning people away from finding a solution or “message in a bottle.” Messina sings that nothing good will come of going to find what you’re trying to look for through the drops of alcohol or the bottle it lies in. If there’s one thing Bridges is reflecting, it’s that someone went to the best messengers to craft subtle but, poignant notes and reflective lessons. Wow!

The Jesus I Know

An epic proclamation of understanding what Jesus truly was attempting to teach and display through his life, readings, and lessons. One line, “sits at the tables with the sinners,” seems to be lost and forgotten amongst many both Christian and non-Christian alike. The wild-wild-west whistle through the song is also a very nice touch to the song as it, paints a standoff between Jesus and judges or those who cannot or do not understand Him. But, He is also there when you can’t hear Him, when you think you’re alone, He’ll never leave you lonely.

It’s All About You

What encapsulates around a fun sounding tonality, is detailed and quickly identified in call outs and noting that some of us have a tendency to make all bad instances all about ourselves. We often fail to recognize the part we play in any sort of bad moments in our life. Messina is in an all-out slugfest for this song and lyrically, we love it! It may be a top contender of a track as a standout.

Let Me Love You

This song is a complete 180 from its predecessor. Painting a picture of a wrecking ball to a wall of emotion, the song is yearning for strong and deep-rooted love. It’s a way for the artist to proclaim that every hurdle is worth it and that nothing will pale in comparison as to what the future holds for love. So long as they are willing to lower their defenses, the love could be ultimate and stronger than ever before.

If He Knew Jesus

Wrapping up the record with “If He Knew Jesus,” is the best way to end the album in the light and brightness the entirety of the record displays. Singing of how, no matter the struggle, Jesus will see you through; Messina notes that there is no challenge you will face alone if you go to truly know and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. She sings that much of the strife and bad decisions would cease to exist, if this individual or we as the audience, knew Jesus – just even a little deeper than we do now.

Bridges is beautiful, from cover to record, to lyrics and arrangement. It’s the perfect record to bask in the spring and summer seasons. It’s that perfect power -punch of radiant positivity. Whether Jo Dee Messina is singing of inspiration and genuine happiness or, belting out some tongue-in-cheek, verbal smackdown; this artist is not one to count out. She knows how to deliver a comeback. She delivers a balance of ballads and pop-country hit-makers. It’s a record that will feeling the sunshine on your face, and dancing in place.

Key Tracks: “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful,”Welcome to the Show,” and “Can Anybody.”

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By Gregg Keniston

If you asked me pre-Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, or E=MC2, if I was a fan of Mariah Carey, I’d say you were crazy. For some reason, I was out of the loop of Carey’s talent beyond her Christmas classic. And I’d thought the media had portrayed her as over-the-top, and overly self-indulgent. Well, I was half right. Over time her high-class, too-good-for-you persona was part of what made Carey a star in her own right. When you have a certain ability to turn your identity into a business, why wouldn’t you?!

The appreciation for Mariah came slowly. With hits like “Hero,” and “Touch My Body,” sparking my interest in 2007/2008. I began to take another look into the pop princess. Up until the TikTok revolution, booming during the pandemic, I still hadn’t thought enough to listen to classics like, “Always Be My Baby,” and “We Belong Together.” But, over the last few years, I enjoy much of Carey’s discography. Her latest album also offers a giant recovery of skill, talent and amazement from her more recent releases of Caution and Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse. Her new release, Here For It All; restores her masterclass voice and beauty with each track.

“Mi” – The intro track grabs you from beat one. A pop, soul blend that has plays off of Mariah Carey’s confidence quite well. It embodies a no-nonsense, play by her own rules or, “GTFO” mentality. The lyrics, the arrangement, and the being the first off the record is a genius marketing move. It is easily my favorite track of the entire album.

“Play This Song (feat. Anderson .Paak)” – While the mood drastically shifts in this track to a more serious tone. Frustration and longing are the main theme as the two battle back and forth of how, on one hand they long to get back together, but, believe it may never come to fruition. The two artists play very well off of each other and in tandem. The song feels misplaced as the album overall has a bright, rejuvenation feel within.

“Type Dangerous” – The song became the lead single off the album and it was the perfect arrangement to do so. A little flirty, a little fun, and that pop of confidence; offered the perfect trifecta to captivate the listener. Cruising down the road or jamming out in your bedroom in that 90s/early 2000’s feel, is exactly how the song projects itself. It’s fun, funky beat, is a throwback to simple feel-good hip-hop.

“Sugar Sweet” (feat. Kehlani) with Shenseea – It’s a fun bridge between the rest of the album. Though the lyrics are simple and could easily act as a filler track for that reason. However, when you invite a modern R&B vocalist like Kehlani, you always raise the volume. Additionally, adding the reggae flavor of Shenseea and her recent splashes of talent into the music world, makes for a jam-packed track of simplistic listening.

“In Your Feelings” – To love this song, you have to allow yourself to literally feel it. The music is fun to get lost in. While the lyrics may be slightly distracting, they are a great play on, not getting too comfortable in the moment. Mariah is declaring it won’t remain permanent. Still, she’s longing to lose the estrangement.

“Nothing Is Impossible” – The song to spin the album on its head. It is a nosedive into Mariah’s diary. Furthermore, it is that rebirth feel mentioned earlier. Offering a sense of hope and light from a challenging time or relationship; the trying times won’t halt her from achieving her ultimate best and becoming the best version of herself she could be. The track is a beautiful painting and worthy of a spot next to the likes of, “Fantasy,” and her early masterpiece, “Vision of Love.”

“Confetti & Champagne” – Revival, newness, and celebration plays forth through track seven. A fun, party calls for Mariah to go out with the old and in with the new (fitting for the new year that is just about to come upon us.) And while the lyrics may come off as slightly abrupt and aloof, she embraces the future with great excitement and readiness. The song offers a call to best to celebrate what newness can lie ahead in the eve of glitter and celebration with the dawn of a new day.

“I Won’t Allow It” – Offers a funk-vibe of fun and dance, it’s a break from the more serious prior tracks. Throwing hands up in the air, the song gives a sense of self-preservation and remodeled self-assurance. Though it throws shade, it’s still offers the listener to develop and earworm in its upbeat tempo and call and response techniques.

“My Love” – An ode, and a complete 180 to her last two tracks, “My Love” romanticizes her current situation and also gives a slight nod to how she loves. It is a pretty, relaxing number that almost acts as a peaceful lullaby. Why is this important? Because Mariah’s voice, when written and used right, sounds like a comforting cloud combined with an operatic, glass-shattering talent. From the monotones to the whistle note, Carey still owns a large percentage of that artistry and musical kingdom.

“Jesus I Do” (feat. The Clark Sisters) – Though I’ve never pictured Mariah Carey as a gospel singer, it obviously suites her vocals well. An uplifting ballad of proclamation and assurance in Christ, is a wonderful way to round out Here For It All. It truly rings clear for the title of the album, that Carey and her listeners are “here for it all;” the good, the uncertain, and everything in between. Life and music work in tandem, as we all should want to experience, appreciate, and go through together.

“Here For It All” – A true finale song in every aspect. The song offers an assurance to appreciate all points of life, lows and highs alike. All the while, praising the Most High is key to a fruitful and enjoyable lifetime. The track is a blissful recount and assurance of Carey’s timeline and a true appreciation of where she and her listeners are set on going, when moving forward.

Overall, Here For It All is a gleaming, bright and modern piece of artwork that outshines a lot of modern pop fluff. A little bit of flashback hip-hop and 90s style, combined with dance and feel-good beats that flow throughout your body; ensure that the album is worthy of 2025 and a top contender of the next 5-10 year music haul. Mimi has done it yet again and claimed her rightful place of a pop diva.

Key Tracks:

“Mi,” “Nothing Is Impossible,” and “Here For It All.”