How do you reintroduce yourself to a mainstream audience, who may only recognize your name only if you start singing, “Hey sister, it’s really, really nice to meet ya. I just met this five foot seven guy who’s just my type?” Well, when you let the music speak for you, it’s easy. Estelle blessed us back in 2008 with her smash-hit “American Boy (feat. Kanye West).” It rocked our radios and our tangled-up headphones before AirPods were a thing, as the iPhone took off. Since then, she’s released three albums in between: All of Me, True Romance, and Lovers Rock; including her debut album The 18th Day.
Estelle has captivated audiences with her vocals and her ability to flip styles from a sleek and funk-styled rap, reggae sounds, and a beautiful, eloquent R&B/Soul sound. Now, Stay Alta offers a fresh, perpetually bright and positive sound. The album encompasses a variety of flavored genres, from dance to soul, to pop sounds hinting at her “American Boy” tones. There’s a little something for everyone with Estelle’s masterpiece.
“Outside” reels the listener in immediately, with a jazz flair switching up to a call-and-response of positivity and encouragement. There is nothing more enticing than hearing music that lifts you up from trying times. “Oh I” is dance beat with a message that time is on your side. But, don’t sit around. It’s an honest song of presenting that the good and bad may happen with our decisions, yet you won’t know unless you try.
“Grateful (feat. Teeters Moses & Russell Taylor)” follows up encourages that no matter your situation, especially if you are currently in a comfortable place in life; to stay grateful. The singer knocks off a list of what she is grateful for in a slight-rap monologue. She proclaims to stay grateful through the whole daily process, good and bad of life. “Love On Love” follows sharing the limelight and vocals with D-Nice. It’s an insistent message, uplifting spirit that bounds through the speakers that there is a mission afoot. Estelle and D-Nice announce that we are to celebrate! And we are to celebrate, in party-fashion, one another, love; human to human.
Up next, is “Roses (Now’s the Time).” A simple yet, empowering song, to take your moment. In life, there are times (many) to be humble and thankful…or grateful; but other times call for us to soak up our success and proper accolades along with that achievement; each and every one of us. Meanwhile, “Like He Is” sings softly and elegantly of appreciation for the singer’s other half. Taking the good with the bad and understanding that time is short; Estelle is appreciate of the moments big and small. “Fire (feat. Joi) is crafted very uniquely with an intro and outro poem and the music falls like a soulful blanket in between. It’s a blend of funk and soul where the imagery is cinematic in her lyrics.
The last quarter of the record begins with the title-track “Stay Alta (feat. Channel Tres).” The track is the highlight of the record for a reason – pure fun. Essentially, Estelle is staying alert, staying positive, and reading the rooms to avoid anything that will bring her vibe down. It’s well worth the listen if you want to just let loose and feel good. On the flip side, “Let It Drop (feat. Durand Bernarr)” is a tag-team song between the duo for any dance floor. This dance jam, acknowledges the end of relationship, knowing in her being that she is trying to achieve better with her life however, Bernarr at first, believes she’s mistaken but, by the end he comes to realize it is best to move on as well.
We approach the next track with a flavorful feel that possesses a lot of the same bright and festive mix of cultural, European, Latin, and pop stylings “Stay Alta” personified. The mixture of these sounds, while Estelle maintains and carries her happy tonality throughout the song. It is a wonderful song that in listening to the lyrics, sounds like a daydream of lovers being the only two in existence, blocking out the outside world and its noise. “New Direction (feat. LaRussell & Keyon Harrold)” follows with lyrics of encouragement and decisive action. The trio lays out a “when-life-gives-you-lemons-make-lemonade, type of mantra. It is a proclamation to make the best out of the worst situations and turn it into a new direction.
Finally, there’s the end track “Starting Over.” The song is anthemic in sound and a joyous statement of an acknowledged false-start or misstep in a relationship. Both parties recognize what was to be done to heal and restore their bond and what their respective actions were to be done in order to get to that new beginning.
Estelle is back and all glammed out. She is radiating a stellar confidence and brings a dose of sunshine with her lyrics and vocals together. It is well worth the listen if you’re looking for a pick-me-up. The album offers a fresh outlook on life and how to get through each and every day. From the cover, to the tracks, to Estelle’s vocals resonating through each song; this album is simple yet elegant and effortlessly combines a combo of genres to create a masterpiece.
Key Tracks: “Stay Alta (feat. Channel Tres).” “Oh I.” “Love On Love (feat. Teedra Moses & Russell Taylor).”
Turbulent times in today’s world and a mental health crisis call for boosts of light and pushes of positivity wherever they can be uncovered. Dua Lipa shared she’d known, at least the title of her third album, right from the release of her first. The 11-track piece is an enjoyable bundle of pop, feel-good songs that aren’t overcomplicated with lyrics but, still send some much-needed reassurance messages. While Radical Optimism is not exactly as “radical” as to be expected, the underlying theme of learning but, growing and finding the up side to each and every situation or outcome; rather than raging on or holding it in to cause yourself more pain or frustration.
1. End of an Era
Acknowledging a period in life is done and over with is more complicated much of the time than it should be. Often, there is a phasing in and out of that timeframe that feels murky and uncertain from feelings and attachment. “End of an Era” puts a whimsical spin on that finish line by calling out what’s ahead and all the exciting unknown that comes with a new chapter.
2. Houdini
Poof! The singer proclaims to be just like the famed illusionist Harry Houdini as she is here and gone in a flash, noting time is precious refuses to miss a single second of anything new and different in her path. The fun lead single is a playful earworm that keeps you hooked with every play.
3. Training Season
At the first listen, I had no idea how this was going to translate into a song. Thinking to myself, “a song about athlete’s down season? Nope, it may miss a mark.” I was wrong. The singer states her qualifications for her next round in the ring of love. She’s certainly not looking for any weak link. With the chorus staking its claim, nobody better be messing around when it comes to qualifications.
4. These Walls
Reflecting on a breakup, the song speaks of rooms and homes having history that only the people inside know of. And from the singer’s perspective, it is more obvious in hindsight what should’ve happened sooner but, the tone of the song gives a slight but sure sense of comfort knowing all is said and done now.
5. Whatcha Doing
Arguably what could be a Summer-2024 anthem, “Whatcha Doing” is playful and flirtatious in which the pre-chorus teases the idea of letting go and allowing the happiness to just rush through her body and mind with no regrets. It’s a simple yet, catchy song that bridges the album quite effectively.
6. French Exit
Admittedly, I was unsure of what this song was going to talk about. In researching, a “French Exit” is the equivalent of the Americanized form of ghosting. In this case, two lovers just do not acknowledge anything about the situation other than to turn the light off and close the door behind them. It’s a cut-and-dry solution to start anew for both parties without the drama.
7. Illusion
Feeling and presenting herself as smarter than her counterpart, she has seen these emotional tactics and mind games before, she won’t be the fool this time around. A dance party ensues putting the mystery man in his place while playing off of the “Houdini” concept. Lipa sounds like her most confident self on this track.
8. Falling Forever
In listening already maybe 15 to 20 times over, this has become my favorite track of the album. “Falling Forever,” firstly has a similar backbeat of Celiné Dion’s version of “I Drove All Night,” of which I could leave on repeat many days at a time. Additionally, the song is a literal free-fall of bliss and pure desire to keep the positivity flowing. The song will have you dancing the night away.
9. Anything for Love
“Anything for Love” is a soft touch of the keys that resembles its own sense of warmth. It’s a reminder that giving up has become the go-to, easy solution. But, fighting and working on love is worth so much more of the happiness it would bring from the work put in. Alas, that only comes if both parties want the same.
10. Maria
Dua Lipa is exceptionally graceful in singing of her partner’s former lover and accepting what will always remain a piece of them. History, good or bad, there were lessons from that, that now Lipa has benefitted from in which she thanks “Maria” for.
11. Happy for You
The album’s finale is a reflective psychedelic piece where the singer finds herself in a state of contentment and happiness for her former lover. In the long run, there was no need for the harrowing emotional toll or fights back and forth that more than likely occurred. Lipa now can say she is at peace where she is at and is turning the negative into positive.
Radical Optimism may not have a lot of “meat and potatoes” where a bulk of lyrics unwrap a traumatic event or lifetime story but; the album holds its own with its theme and poetic push for a change of mind and embracing the best of each time and place. The album plays well if you need to push yourself to move through the day or lift your spirits and Dua casts an amazing spell with her voice that modern music has completely overlooked.
Certain artists really know how to hone in on their artistry. They know what brought them to the limelight in the first place. Pink Friday did just that for Nicki Minaj back in 2010 and it landed her an array of fans that you would never imagine, like me. Why? Because she’s personal, she throws in Pop and feel-good vibes through her storytelling. Oftentimes, with a lot of hip-hop/rap albums, you really have to listen to an EP or album from start to finish because it is a continuous story from track to track. Or, just like on Minaj’s latest project Pink Friday 2, the tracks flow so well together you feel like she put the puzzle pieces together on the first try.
Admittedly, when Nicki Minaj first burst onto the music scene I grouped her in with every other artist in her genre and swept her away with each of them. After really diving into music, I soon found a new appreciation for artists like her, J. Cole, (the king of speed, in my opinion) – Eminem, and Drake. I believe this to be attributed to their ability to craft their music to a retrospective outlook along with tinges of Pop or R&B/Soul elements.
Minaj knows how to best utilize her attitude to propel all of her music forward. She dominates the charts, because she knows how to stand firm in her artistry and personality overall. She never hides away from a setback (if she were to have one) and she kicks down the door in her way ten times harder. Conversely, Pink Friday 2 just has FUN, much like its predecessor.
The album is filled with 3-minute uplifting beats like, my personal favorite “Pink Friday Birthday,” “Super Freaky Girl,” “Barbie Dangerous,” and “Pink Friday Girls.” It does not go without its deep cuts, but smartly, they are more saved to the end; while still being poignant and masterful add-ons (“Last Time I Saw You,” and “Just The Memories.”) Whatever you might be looking for from Nicki, she is about to deliver to your ear with a force like none other. Don’t let me spoil too much, just take a listen for yourself. This album will make you a fan, or at the very least it will make you do a double-take on the queen taking back her throne amongst hip-hop and rap talent of today.
Key Tracks: “Let Me Calm Down (feat. J. Cole);” “RNB (feat. Lil Wayne & Tate Kobang);” “Pink Birthday;” “Red Ruby Da Sleeze;” “Pink Friday Girls.”
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.
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 no secret Kristin Chenoweth has established herself as a legend in her own right. Now she uses her prominece to give light to the some of the vocal legendary women that came before her.
“The Way We Were” – It’s the wish-I-could-turn-back-time song that defined Barbra Streisand’s artistry. Chenoweth, with her bravado and jaw-dropping cadence, She knows how to turn a classic and make it all her own.
“You Don’t Own Me” (feat. Ariana Grande) – It is a rise-up anthem to take back a woman’s own life. Ariana brings her vocal prowess to the song and blends beautifully with Chenoweth’s simplistic tone. Together, they create a strong, united front to tear down any man’s narcissism and overconfidence; should that man be so headstrong.
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” – Putting a country twist on Linda Ronstadt’s record, Chenoweth tackles the song with a laid-back style all her own. Coming to terms that she can’t go back to how things were, she accepts moving on and proclaims they both go their own way in life.
“I Will Always Love You” (feat. Dolly Parton) – Who hasn’t touched this classic, or at least heard it? The song that lives on to touch deep into souls and is interpreted in countless ways, becomes a duet of beauty and purity. Dolly Parton joins Kristin as they bid each other adeu for a wondrous tribute cover.
“What A Difference A Day Makes” – Spinning into the Jazz genre, a soft and elegant song takes shape. Knowing there is always a better day ahead to change a mind, or realize it wasn’t meant to be. In this case, all positivity shines through.
“When I Fall In Love” – Conditionally, love is so much more than just a feeling or action. Rather it is based on an intensity and what we set as our final destination for landing into someone else’s heart. It’s a perfect song that fits Chenoweth perfectly.
“Crazy” – As the piano sets in for the final Jazz number, it tells of a swell of feelings and emotions that the songstress cannot wrap her mind and heart around at first. At the end of the day, she is crazy either way she continues down her path but, ends in good nature.
“The Man That Got Away” – Everything has progressed and the woman is meandering through her life now, simply because of the man that she wishes she could have back. We move on sometimes, never knowing how good someone was until the void sets in. Hope is all she has, that someday she will see that man again but, understands that it is a distant dream.
“I’m A Woman” (feat. Jennifer Hudson, and Reba McEntire) – Everything is possible in this song. This triple threat serves up a sassy take on a song that pays homage to all of a woman’s capabilities. It speaks to how much one woman can handle on a day-to-day basis. It is perfect for throwing back at someone who questions how one can do so much and still have time for themselves.
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – It lends to the question, does love last more than a moment, a night, a passionate feeling? Or, will one of the two involved stay and cultivate the feeling into something deeper? The song fits the album perfectly as it winds down its main tracklisting.
“I Wanna Be Around” – The song is a sweet vindictive tune that hopes the end result of the next love affair goes south. The woman is jilted and does not want to see the happiness bloom more than it did with her. The woman wants to witness it all first-hand so that she has a sense of closure and satisfaction. It serves well to Kristin’s voice, as the build up is right up her vocal alley.
“Desperado” (Target Bonus Track) – Singing of a tale of someone who just wants to find some solid ground, the song is a traveler’s song. It lends to wonder if the person in question will ever find what they are searching for. Is it the overemotion they are feeling or is it the inability to “let somebody love” them? It’s a great song for us to look deep within ourselves.
“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” (feat. Steve Tyrell) (Target Bonus Track) – The title is exactly how the song portrays. It is a happy-go-lucky, partnership song that sings of true togetherness. Yes, the weather may be cold, but the love is strong between the duo. It is the complimentary teamwork of the duet that serves as a strong contender for the top track of the album.
“I Wish You Love” (Target Bonus Track) – It might be best recognized lyrically as the companion to Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. The song is probably the most elegant and second most vocally challenging for the everyday singer. It is a beautiful ending to a record dedicated to the legendary women of yesterday.
Cassadee Pope, Kacey Musgraves,Taylor Swift, Hannah Ellis, and Shinedown would definitely be a few of my biggest influences for this record.
2. When and where did you come up with the concept for “21”.
So, I wrote “Him” after coming home from my boyfriend’s house and something just hit me. Throughout my 21st year of life, I went through a lot mentally and emotionally. Not only was I tackling college, two jobs, and an internship, but I was also going through a tough breakup after having been together for four years and falling out of love awhile prior to the breakup. After the breakup, I started going through another romantic situation with a friend that just went south. For a while, I was really down on myself in the world of romance and I just didn’t think true love existed… Then unexpectedly, I fell in love again with my current boyfriend and he literally brought out the music in me. He was the ultimate reward to one of the toughest years of my life and once I wrote, “Him,” I was inspired to tell the story of my 21st year of life after not writing, or playing music for over a year.
3. How did you come about recording your first album?
We recorded, “Him,” first in November of 2018 and then I released the news about the single on my 22nd birthday (December 3, 2018). I also announced that I would be releasing a full-length album titled, ‘21,’ later in 2019. We didn’t actually record the rest of the album until March of 2019 and it took about two months total to record and really put it together collectively and creatively. I will never forget the last night we spent recording the album, it was like 2 AM one night in April after an award show the music department was hosting at my college, Monmouth University. We recorded the final two vocals that night and then the record was done. It was the best feeling ever.
4. What was your favorite track to record?
My favorite record was definitely the second single I released off the album which was, “More.” It’s the last song on the record. It is the last because it makes me feel strong and empowered about who I am both as an individual and an artist in particular going forward. The rest of the album kind of resembles who I was when I was 21 and who I used to be. “More” is who I feel like I am now that I am in a better place in my life and it is the foreshadow of the sound and vulnerability that is to come next in my future music.
5. Do you feel pulled more towards one genre of music over another?
I feel that we morph into what inspires us, specifically as a musician. As you go through different experiences and life events, you become a part of that scene, or culture that is surrounding you at that moment. Same thing with music. I listened to a lot of different music. I am rooted in pop punk, but I love pop and country music. I feel like there will always be a little pop punk in my music because of those roots, but that is what makes me Kelli Faith and not someone else. It feels very natural as I just build upon myself and the music I create to become an embodiment of everything I am inspired by.
6. As a women in music, how do you see yourself in contributing to the music scene, and your growth as an artist?
Early on, I felt like I could not write love songs because it was such a stereotype, then as I grew into my artist persona as Kelli Faith; I came to understand that it did not matter what I was writing about because I was writing from my own heart and my own perspective. I saw a lot of male artists like Maroon 5, or Ed Sheeran make hits from love songs countless times over and no one’s ever judged them for any of those songs. So, in response to experiencing all of this, I stopped caring about what others might think about me, or what I had to say in my music. Instead, I let my heart take the reigns and my emotions do the driving. I feel like my music could inspire more women to allow themselves to be emotional and authentic in their own music. ‘21’ taught me not to hold back and that is what I want to help other women, and just anyone in general, and/or in music do.
7. Who are some of the personalities that helped you craft “21”?
Craig Smith and Alex Peragine helped me mix, master, produce, and record the entire record. They were essential to building the framework of the album, I am incredibly grateful. I had a lot of instrumental production behind my record as well, including: Dee DiMeola, Cassidy Crosby, Julia Whary, and Jay Sweet. Lastly, the promotional team really brought out the best content to display ‘21’ in its final stages: Summer DeFalco for photography, Nicole Govel for the album artwork, Jenna Bruno for PR, Angelica Pasquali and Nicole Diglio for the logo and video content you will see in the coming weeks. Kris Khunachek also produced the music video for “More” and he is simply amazing.
8. Who would you dream of touring with if you should blossom further into your music career?
I think that would definitely be Cassadee Pope. I feel like I would be the perfect opener for her shows. I would never want to be so big of an artist where I couldn’t go outside into the public eye by myself. I feel that her artistry and energy very much aligns to mine, so that really attracts me to her and other artists like Kacey Musgraves. Kacey Musgraves is just on a bit of a larger scale, but if that were to ever happen, anything is a dream to be honest.
9. How do you feel your schooling or your growth inspired your artistry?
What came out of Monmouth University were the connections and friendships that allowed me to explore my creativity. I gained a large understanding from a PR class on branding and etc, however, the majority of my inspiration and thought process behind the album did not come from schooling or lessons, but the connections I made throughout college.
10. What’s next after “21”?
There will be another music video coming in the future for sure. Be prepared for a small tour once the album gets released probably later in the winter. Like I had mentioned before, ‘21’ taught me to not hold back, so I think whatever music is to come, will definitely demonstrate a new side to Kelli Faith. A lot has happened in the making of this album and I think it truly curated a perfect setup to my future music.
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
— Victor Hugo.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, stay tuned! It is going to revolutionize the music industry overall but, with a focus on the Country genre more specifically. Women will rise again.
Women In Music 