A woman with the voice of an angel never could quite catch the break she so clearly deserved. Auditioning for season 10 of American Idol respectively, Pia Toscano became a fan favorite and was deemed one of the most shocking eliminations in the show’s history.
During her time on the show, Toscano captivated the audience with a voice that rang through television speakers like a siren song. With songs like “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen and “River Deep, Mountain High” by Ike & Tina Turner, she showcased how powerful and stunning she truly could be on stage. Now Pia is back with a vengeance to bring her bombastic flair and powerhouse vocal prowess to the world. Only a week after being released, I’m Good has garnered an earworm-like quality in my ear and I believe many to follow soon.
I’m Good, debuts with “No,” the ultimate warrior record. It presents itself as though “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera became a ballad with an amazing crescendo. The song sets free any frustrations and internal battles either the singer herself or the listener may have or relate with.
Following up the confidence anthem, “What If We, an introspective message which reflects on both personalities of a relationship. Questioning as the chorus goes on playing, “what if we, were like each other…,” Toscano sings of pondering that maybe both parties should attempt to fix one another or, meet someone more alike to each their own. However, in the last line of the chorus, it is realized that they are both better off being themselves and in another world “would never be” because of who they are as individuals; accepting being happy as they are together and standing solo in the mirror.
Pia Toscano made a declaration on this album and the title track, “I’m Good,” proves it. She has let all her worries, history, and life lessons, not only shape the woman and artist she has become. She will not be identified by those downfalls, rather, the song exclaims that she has found a way to turn herself into a fierce phoenix rising to claim her prize. “I’m Good” defies every ounce of negativity within Toscano’s life and allows her vocals to shine bright and push the same energy forward for her listeners.
“Walk Through the Fire” continues that defiance and strength with more of a ballad sound than that of its pop-dance predecessor. She proclaims she will fight hard and win to conquer any obstacle crossing her path. It is exciting and empowering for those who have been knocked down and might not know how to get back up. This song shows that the only way to win is to keep on taking life as it comes and making every day count. The album comes with an extended version to truly capitalize on the emotion the song pours out.
“Thin Air” acts as a stand-alone track. It speaks volumes of love and how overpowering it can be. With a soothing drumbeat, love conquers all beats on in every heart. The song shows, however, that it is no easy task to take hold of but, if allowed, you can watch all the bad evaporate into thin air. Each of us must be willing and able to take on that mission for a piece of true happiness.
“Break In” is a personal favorite as the lyrics are both heartfelt and true with that one love that is inexplicably defiant of all logic and typical reason. That special someone just reaches into your soul and being in stealing your heart, encapsulating it in a glass square. As the song plays though, the singer and listener alike question how it came to be but, are content with the feelings happening around them.
The final two tracks are straight-up party anthems. “Girls Night” gets the glitz and glam ready for a night on the town as the perfect remedy to get over the deflating or pain of rejection or a break up. Toscano samples in a clever tongue-in-cheek fashion too, that she’s now “living her best life” as a way to reverse any unnecessary drama or negativity going on in her life.
”Simon Sez” is self-reflective on her experience so far within the industry but, Pia is now able to dance off all the side effects and stresses of the business to make the coming successes all her own. “Everybody’s like robots, in an assembly line. They don’t ever give no f**ks…” The song speaks to how the artist may feel like they are creating something of their own accord, however, when all is said and done; you are still to do as executives say – not as they do. Pia Toscano is not about to give in to any more proclamations and demands. The artistry she portrays is enough to defy all expectations of a typical artist with or without the traditional backing of labels and managers while moving and grooving to her own beat.
We were blessed with a sample of Pia Toscano over 12 years ago. Now I’m Good, represents a culmination of strength, willpower, and courage; that only an artist who hungers for the spotlight and their artistic image can bring forth. This artist, this woman, has now proven that there will be no backing down for her and her future fortune. She has a voice that will light up the world and will not be silenced any longer. You will never grow tired of this album or the artist who created it. Be sure to download I’m Good immediately.
In its entirety, 2021 fell short of the recovery expectations we all so hoped for. It came and went without much growth. Country music – it seems, had one of the most show-stopping years in recent history. Between new artists rising, veterans releasing double and TRIPLE albums, and hit-makers remastered and re-released to please the artists’ audiences and their ears accordingly. And there’s no shortage of excitement coming down the pike of 2022.
Newcomers
The official debut of Mickey Guyton, with her album, Remember Her Name was one of the long-awaited albums of the year and her fanbase alike. After serenading us with her eponymous EP, featuring the hit single, “Better Than You Left Me.” Following up with her single “Nice Things,” Guyton made herself even more of a household name. She embodied everything down-home and sweet while making her audience do a double-take every time she stepped up to the mic. Now, she’s come full circle to claim our hearts with songs like “American Dream,” her airy cover “If I Were a Boy,” and the trailblazing title track; Mickey Guyton is a force to be reckoned with in the coming years ahead.
Morgan Wade and Lily Rose were also big newcomers on the country scene this year with their albums, Wreckless, and Stronger Than I Am respectively. Both artists showcase an amazing blend of folk-rock and country along with bone-chilling truth-filled lyrics with songs like “Villain” and “Take Me Away.” Singing of mischaracterization, judgment, and back-and-forth stories, as well as, a desire to be whisked off and free from the singer’s current life situation; these two pack a powerful punch of raw emotion into their writing and artistry.
Double-Triple Threats
There are certain points in an artist’s career where they are boiled over with experiences and creativity to surprise their fans with not just one, but two, sometimes even THREE, sets or albums to embody a story the artist wishes to tell to the listener. 2021 saw its fair share of jam-packed music from musicians like Cody Johnson, Eric Church, and one of the best-selling records of the year from Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album.
From the singles – “7 Summers,” and “More Than my Hometown,” to songs like “865,” “Beer Don’t,” and “Whatcha Think About Country Now; the entire 30 tracks unveil a much-needed, bare-knuckled/outlaw sound that has been missing for quite a few years from country radio. Yes, we have the greats before like The Highwaymen supergroup of Cash, Jennings, Kristofferson, and Nelson; as well as Eric Church and Jason Aldean. However, Morgan Wallen has proven to be a top contender, bringing a mix of crooning vocals and outlaw stylings in his lyrics.
Cody Johnson has a similar crooning tone to his voice but, lies more within a bluegrass/americana style. His album Human: The Double Album, really hits the heart of every listener with the lyrics. They are reminiscent and storytelling. Each time he begins a new song, Johnson finds his groove within a new tale to tell his audience. On “‘Til You Can’t,” Johnson encourages the listener to go at life and whatever direction or journey it takes you on with no reservations. It’s a fresh perspective on optimism. Additionally, songs like “Son of a Ramblin’ Man” and the title track “Human,” both offer unique senses of nostalgia and personal growth respectively. It is encouraging to see such an artist create and mold their songs into something retrospective and thought-provoking while committing to a strong sense of positivity.
The last of the major multi-layered releases this year came from Eric Church, and Jason Aldean (although we won’t hear the other half of Jason’s double – Macon / Georgia, until early 2022.) Aldean’s counterpart, Eric Church took it upon himself to write not only one record but instead, blend it into a three-tier album, Heart & Soul. Encouraged by long-time friend and producer Jay Joyce, Church took the time in lockdown to simply just write and emote everything he could possibly conjure up. Feeling pointless in leaving out a handful of songs, the triple-album (or surprise EP as I like to refer to it,) was born. While Eric Church has certainly garnered more mainstream attention in the last few years, at some points musically, it still feels as though artists like Church do not get a fair shake in airplay because of his blustery, badass style. Some may say a few songs are N.S.F.R. (Not Safe For Radio.) Regardless, of his style not being as mainstream as it ideally could be, “Heart on Fire,” “Rock and Roll Found Me,” and “Hell of a View” are all credit-worthy hits that entice the ear-worm of the modern listener.
Hit Makers Come Back for Nostalgia and Modernity
Late 2021 saw a host of artists that we all know and love re-release their music for different purposes, coating them with a variety of tones and textures. Some artists came back to simply state that they weren’t done yet and have no plan to rest. Taylor Swift re-released two of her hit albums, Fearless and Red, after a legal battle with her label; Reba McEntire served up her hits on, Revived Remixed Revisited; and Carly Pearce poured out her heart and soul during a year of heartbreak, lockdown, and soul-searching on; 29: Written In Stone.
Each of these leading ladies found a way to reinvent what had already made them household names in the first place. Taylor took her albums and essentially stripped them down to showcase her and her piano. Her soft and dark tonality brought us back to her beginnings of what made Swift such a lovable woman and artist alike. Reba took a more “disco” approach. While many of her songs already had a toe-tapping sensation to them, she cranked the volume up to ten and turned many of her hits into something every type of listener can enjoy. Carly, well, she won the award for most vulnerable album of the year and the last decade. If you didn’t shed a tear on songs like “Show Me Around” and the title track “29,” then you might as well be living in a dark and dank cavern. Giving her acknowledgments to songwriting superstar and mentor, Busbee (who passed away in 2019 due to his battle with cancer;) Pearce knew exactly how to channel the worst internal pain and turn it into something beneficial and wholesome.
Down The Line…
If 2021 showed the music world anything, it’s that music is timeless and endless. In an artist’s mind, the notes and lyrics know no bounds. The year ahead is already gearing up to continue and outperform every one of the releases mentioned above…or so we hope. Jason Aldean will be releasing the second half of his double album Georgia, while the queen of country returns with her forty-eighth studio album, Run, Rose, Run. Even more so, Thomas Rhett is set to return to the stage with not one but two releases this year; finishing out a double album of his own (Country Again: Side B) as well as, a stand-alone record Where We Started. All of these new releases, plus the return of Maren Morris with Humble Quest, and a host of debuting artists like Jessica Willis Fisher and Priscilla Block; are guaranteed to make 2022 a year of spectacular musicianship and wild artistry.
One word turns into a story quickly. It is who is willing to listen to that story that sets new stories and adventures in motion. Put a little sound to that movie, Music has a way with words like no other medium does. It has become unavoidable in every moment of our lives. The art often molds our character, as well as, shape the way we live our lives. For me, several women influenced my love and passion for music. The messages sent through the songs and personalities of these women, and the incredible craft and range of these artists embody so much of how I see music as a whole entity. These 7 women all had a hand in shaping and forming my musical foundation, amongst many others.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain saddled up onto the music scene as a dueling ‘Queen of Country-Pop Crossover’ alongside Faith Hill. Her smash hit Come On Over, was the first album I had been introduced to and ultimately fell in love with. My mom and her best friend would blast the stereo with these songs endlessly growing up. The only song I seemed to always skip was “I Won’t Leave You Lonely,” only because that’s the song they would skip too. Everyone knows the empowering anthem, “Man, I Feel Like a Woman.” That song launched her into the stratosphere. Songs like “Don’t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)” and “Come On Over” utilized a host of strings synced-up beats respectively, while “Love Gets Me Everytime,” “Honey, I’m Home,” and “Rock This Country” carried a kick-ass bass and drum rock undertone; all while presenting a pretty pop-country presence and eloquent vocal arrangements. Of course, the song that truly hits home is “You’re Still the One.” Embodying what everlasting love and devotion sincerely mean, the song not only is one of Twain’s most admired records, but, a song that my mom wishes that I would one day sing for my parents, should they ever renew their vows. Come On Over has shaped my musical experience more than any other record in history.
P!NK
She’s been a badass from day one. P!NK redefines rebellion as freedom and individualistic. And although she might ride the pop coattails, the Hurts 2B Human singer solidified a spot amongst the greats and conquered her fight to make a name for herself in the pop-diva realm. In 2008, Funhouse dropped like an atom bomb onto the music scene. It was P!NK’s first album that, as a whole, I was able to take in start to finish and knew about from the moment it was released. Other past hits like “Just Like a Pill,” “U + Ur Hand,” and “Get the Party Started” set the stage for her to not only grow into an adult badass. But, her artistry opened up a door that allows pop music talent today, to go all out on their fashion, trends, and simply allowing those new artists to truly be themselves more openly. The album is one of, if not her best record to date, because everything about its release flowed so seamlessly together. Its release date was just a little before Halloween 2008. The title of the album, along with several of the tracks prove to be a thematic masterpiece of carnival thrill.
“So What” and “Sober” begin the album with contrasting excitable and melancholy tones to the respective tracks. While both talk of a freeing sensation yet, with different tones: one excitable, one melodramatic. The album is a joyride in itself. While there’s definitely more somber songs on the record, tracks like “Bad Influence,” the title-track “Funhouse” and even “Please Don’t Leave Me” (while the message is still sullen; all offer an electrifying burst of color and excitement to this 2009 hit.
Faith Hill
You could call the duo, the Mariah and Whitney of country music. Faith Hill splashed into the musical limelight around the same time as Shania and garnered her own posse of a fan base. And although she’s been fairly quiet in the last decade as a solo artist, she has released a number of albums and tracks alongside her husband Tim McGraw.
Take Me AsI Am began Hill’s lasting legacy in country music in 1993. Spending a lot of time in my mom’s car, the album was a staple on our playlist for sure. The title-track ignites the the album with a pulsating drumbeat. With an even amount of fun and uptempo tracks to somber ones, despite it being unevenly distributed in sequence. “Just About Now” is a timeless piece because it speaks of truly living in the moment. There’s something about certain people that you mean that you just realize quickly – they came into your life for growth and enjoyment of the moment. If you’re anything like me, you never want to let that go.
Opposing that song, with the same message but, in a different form; “Life’s Too Short to Love Like That” is wake-up call to those who do not wish to continue watching something or someone negative slow them down. The constant pull-and-push concept is not effective or conducive to a flourishing or healthy relationship. But, whether it’s the empowerment of “Go the Distance,” the carefree spirit of “Wild One,” or determined mind of “But I Will;” there’s a song that fits perfectly for every moment within life. And that essentially, is what a well-crafted album represents – a story.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood found herself in the midst of immediate stardom following her win of the hit TV show American Idol in its fourth season. Her vocals and beauty wowed the show’s crowd and audiences to come soon after. My musical fascination for Underwood, started from the beginning and soon after her win, developed into a fandom that feels justified. The soothing tone to her voice, and her ability to weave in and out of themes and stories of her songs is her most amazing quality.
Some Hearts, her debut work found itself going multi-platinum (enough for the time-period to not only put women back on top of the country charts but, also to be certified that highly by any country artist since 1991 and overall by any female country artist. Certainly, it would make sense commercially, that the sophomore effort would not do as well as its predecessor; however, the growth and artistry development that Underwood displayed on album 2 was the beyond poignant.
The first album is most often the hardest to top because it builds a foundation from which the artist can establish their fan base upon and also find a theme and style that best fits each one. Carnival Ride was just the icing on the cake following Carrie Underwood’s breathtaking debut. The sophomore 2007 smash-hit is as bright as its cover. Although, the cover may be a bit misleading, with songs like: “Just a Dream,” “You Won’t Find This,” and “Wheel of the World” – there are notes of haunting spells within this piece of work that are simply captivating. From the deep-rooted family ties of “All-American Girl,” to the devastation of “Just a Dream,” to the internal turmoil of “Twisted;” there’s a little piece of magic within every song.
Toni Braxton
Given today’s times and music standards, you would be astonished to hear Toni Braxton’s name mentioned on the radio or pop-culture overall. While she is still making hits and working effortlessly within the music and entertainment scene, there is a certain nostalgia feel from her early work. Along with her eponymous debut Toni Braxton, Secrets is the gem of an album that drew me automatically to love her. Her debut was always her on rotation during car rides as a child but, soon after I became a bit older, I listened to more of her works and fell in love with this record.
It’s true, no one touches sensuality and soulfulness in their songs like Toni Braxton. She knows how to move her voice to the music and lyrics she is presented. Today’s generation will never comprehend ‘real’ and ‘true’ vocals like Toni’s because now the entertainment value is driven by quantity of hits and views rather than quality of the craft and artist. Toni Braxton breaks the foundation with the smash single, “Un-Break My Heart.” “Why Should I Care” is a breath of fresh air, of living life by her own terms which is rare for a love-infused album. Two songs that highlight how hypnotizing and soothing Braxton’s artistry is.
Avril Lavigne
Canadian singer, Avril Lavigne released her pop-punk debut record Let Go all the way back in 2002. It was one of the first CDs that I had bought when they became the mainstream of music, alongside No Secrets by the band of the same name and Aaron’s Party (Come Get It) by Aaron Carter, (I know…what a collection). Lavigne has managed to propel herself into the same level stratosphere as some of today’s other pop superstars like P!NK and Britney Spears, while at the same time, staying true to her image and not diverting too far from where she began with this record. While she may have released some brighter pop singles, there’s always a little mystique behind her showmanship.
Let Go starts off underground with a grinding steel bass guitar and a heavy grunge-like chorus, “Losing Grip” emotes with a heavy tone, how one person can make another break down to their lowest and deepest core so effortlessly. Following that, “Complicated” is the lead single off the album, still heard on mainstream radio stations to this day. And, why? Because it truly is a head-shaking, rant-raving; song that lets all its frustration out in one burst. “Sk8ter Boi” and “I’m With You” were the other top two singles to come away from the album that launched Avril into the stardom that she now holds amongst her fans in the music world. Some key tracks that are worth the listen though are, “Things I’ll Never Say” and “My World.” They are fun, lyrically and very relatable to most of us.
Gloria Estefan
For over 35 years, Gloria Estefan has dominated both the latin and pop charts. Her dramatized, sultry voice; sings to the tone of love, passion and heartache like no other. Adding her Hispanic flair, Estefan fuels each song with a telenovela / soap opera theme that hypnotizes the listener’s ear till their heart’s content. From her beginnings with The Miami Sound Machine, to riding solo alongside her equally famed husband Emilio Estefan, Gloria is a force to be reckoned with amongst her female counterparts including: Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, and Cèline Dion. Let It Loose was my introduction Estefan and Latin music overall.
Let It Loose blends its keyboard and percussion sound perfectly throughout the record, while Estefan’s vocals stream right through the instrumentation and sound eloquently. The ‘80s-pop dramatics along with the excitement of the jazz and latin tones make for the album itself to transform into a romantic story book or short movie. “Betcha Say That” eases the listener into the record, and is a light flirtatious tune. The title track “Let It Loose,” is purely a carefree dance track. Along the chart-topper “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” and “1-2-3” the album is aligned equally with dance floor sensations, and desirable and sexy ballads. “Can’t Stay Away from You” is the ideal standout ballad that holds the record together and entrances the listener open themselves up to the rest of the album.
It’s not everyday you can see someone making a lifetime career fresh into the spotlight. Leave it to the one and only Dolly Parton to help good talent shine through when she sees it. Haha ok… maybe it wasn’t actually Dolly who discovered Carly Pearce, but singing at the Dollywood theme park definitely boosted the momentum of her impending-to-now stardom. After a short, 4-year glitch, recovering from a record deal gone wrong; Pearce began the ascension to musical glory.
Upon the release of a duet with Josh Abbott “Wasn’t That Drunk,”Pearce found herself garnering much more serious airplay. But then, with the assistance and magic of producer Busbee, Carly Pearce soon found herself becoming a household name. With the release of “Every Little Thing” in 2017, that was the moment the singer’s world changed. That one song melted the hearts of all those who feel the sorrow and pain, etched in memory, of a love gone terribly wrong; but some of it still felt so right. Soon to follow, we got a peak of her lighters side on “Hide the Wine.” It was fun, flirty, and was a great compliment to her debut single. We got to see how quick-changing and versatile Carly Pearce’s writing can be while allowing her true personality to showcase in her music.
Carly Pearce, Every Little Thing
It took three years to 2020, to garner new material from Pearce. She was busy riding high on tours with the likes of big names like Lady Antebellum & Hunter Hayes, and Rascal Flatts; even headlining her very own Way Back Tour with Russell Dickerson. On a more personal note, her 2019-2020 year was her rollercoaster to ride. From turning 30 to marrying and divorcing fellow country musician Michael Ray, to the uncertainty of COVID-19, and ultimately to losing her greatest friend and mentor of the music world – renowned music producer, Busbee; Carly Pearce swore off the negativity of the past year with hit music. Her eponymous second album Carly Pearce, made major headway with “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The single shot up faster than any of her previous work, thus accrediting her multiple nominations and wins across the plethora of country music award shows throughout the year. While more upbeat, “I Hope Your Happy Now” was right in Pearce’s element of tugging on your heartstrings, as Lee Brice lent his vocals and musical prowess for the other half of this ‘blame it on me,’ touch-of-pop single. The album also included promotional hits like: “Closer to You” (one of my personal favorites), “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” and “Call Me.” Other songs including:”Dashboard Jesus,” and “Finish Your Sentences” (ironically enough, which was a duet with her now ex-husband Michael Ray). The album was severely undersold with just the attention on the two singles, whereas, more attention on my favorites and “Call Me” would have given a longer lifespan to the album’s popularity.
As the new year began, Carly reclaimed 2021 as her personal rise back on top of her confidence and creative artistry. She released her third round of music in February of this year. The lead single “Next Girl” was an ode to that same feeling of saying goodbye to the divorce drama. Alerting the new beau that the singer sees her ex out with, she pulls her aside and lets her in on all the phrases and attempts at wooing the guy puts into motion over the new girl. “Should’ve Known Better” follows with a roll-with-the-punches attitude. The singer proclaims, “I gave you my heart. You let it go to waste.” She says of how the relationship should’ve never progressed at the first red flags. The title track explains of how it is the age where, in her mind or what she’s been lead to believe, everything is suppose to go to pure independence. But, all that happened was it became the year “she’ll never live down.” If this the album didn’t have you stuck feeling heartbroken already. The major loss of Busbee to Carly and the music industry overall is showcased in plain view on “Show Me Around.” The song, while sorrowful of his passing, is a shining example of hoping to see him in the hereafter and that he will reunite to show Pearce all he has seen and done since leaving the world. It is a thrilling example of imagery and wonder that Carly Pearce effortlessly puts to good use, and Lord knows Busbee would be so proud and honored.
The EP 29, allows us just enough ear candy for our pleasure and satisfaction. While it does have an overall somber tone to it, the mini-album still shines with glimmers of hope and resilience. Pearce knows full well how to captivate her audience. Her method to blend pop vocals with a 90s-styled country lyric theme and band, puts the singer well within the ranks of her top competition of Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Carrie Underwood. Carly Pearce has everything to gain from being the “new kid on the block.” She has the young vibrancy, and soothing voice, with the tone, soul and heart of her predecessors like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and even Alison Krauss. If you haven’t touched this EP yet, you ‘should’ve known better’ than to keep waiting on a masterpiece like 29.
Women In Music 