Annette Adler’s new album Mama Proud will inspire you to reflect about your experiences with your family. Set to dreamy Folk influenced melodies, Adler’s voice soars as she reflects on her experiences as a parent. Mama Proud often focuses on the realities of motherhood through an honest yet warm lens. Adler uses classic Americana melodies to amplify the impact of her heartfelt lyrics. Mama Proud is dedicated to her two sons and in the memory of her mother and mother-in-law. This album is remarkably personal yet universal as Adler dives into the inner workings of parenthood. Mama Proud will remind you of the joys and inspirations that come with family along with the difficult emotions and foibles they can draw out of us.
URL: http://annetteadlermusic.com/
There is an unmistakable warmth to Mama Proud that leaves you feeling nurtured and hopeful for your future. When I first listened to Mama Proud Adler’s voice struck me because of its ease and ability to set the scene for every track. Adler sings with such clarity and confidence that every style of song she sings is elevated by her voice alone. Opening track “Mama Proud” is a track of empowerment, full of wisdom and an encouraging energy that seeks to motivate you. As you listen to Mama Proud the more you feel loved and supported in whatever endeavor your partaking in, that seems to be the magic of Adler’s artistry. Adler is a classical guitarist so it’s no surprise that the guitar is at the forefront of every track, its truly a match made in heaven. Pairing the sweet nature of Adler’s voice with guitar riffs that range from mellow to upbeat makes Mama Proud get under your skin instantly.
Mama Proud is a succinct but powerful album coming in at 7 tracks that feel like they last a lifetime. There is a magic to Mama Proud that makes it seem like every song takes its time stretching in the sun. To me its the subject matter of being a parent and a mother, more specifically, that makes this such an intriguing listen. It’s not often that you get to peek behind the curtain of what your parents are really feeling but Mama Proud offers listeners that perspective. Each track covers Adler’s thoughts, feelings, observations, lessons learned, and wise words that she took from her experiences. This format allows each song to delve into the personal, while offering helpful advice and wisdom to those listening. Songs like “Just Like That” discuss the bittersweet experience of watching your child grow into an adult. How something as simple as seeing the number of candles on their cake can be difficult to digest. It’s these details that make Mama Proud so real and relatable.
“Keeping It Together” is a track that hit me hard and made me think of my own mother as I listened to it. Adler uses a bluesy piano melody to sing about how often mothers have to keep a brave face even when they don’t have the strength to. “Keeping It Together” captures the spirit of Mama Proud the most. The melody alone takes you on a journey with its layered notes and banjo in the background. Adler expertly maneuvers the lyrics and modulates her voice accordingly, making for one of my favorite performances on the album. Adler’s charisma is prominent on “Keeping It Together” as she croons about the realities of motherhood. Adler maintains a feisty attitude that seems to embody the resilience she’s singing about. As she picks her head back up, you want to as well, this is the magic of Mama Proud.
Annette Adler’s new album will stir the memories of your childhood and the significant interactions that occurred between you and your parents. Adler impressively navigates her personal feelings and memories while keeping every song on Mama Proud accessible to listeners. She never gets into any specifics that suddenly make you relate less to her experience, on the contrary, Mama Proud has the ability to unify listeners through common experiences. Through groovy guitar riffs and soulful observations Mama Proud speaks to the heart, don’t miss it!
Chadwick Easton