REVIEW: Annette Adler — Color My World (LP)
Raise your hand if you’re a fan of songs where the lyrics have strong imagery, and you can actually clearly understand what the singer is singing? Me too. In her new album,
Color My World, the fantastic singer/songwriter Annette Adler, consistently drapes her Americana songs with golden-laced vocals and emotionally-rich music beds. Capturing themes of family, friendship, love, kindness and even activism, Color My World is Adler giving her best foot forward at each step of the way. With 13 tracks it’s easy to get to know this California artist, and she reveals so much with each descriptive lyric.
URL: http://annetteadlermusic.com/
Of the 13 tracks, I definitely have some favorites. “Sister Harmony”, “ Waves of Blue”, “Feel Alright” and the title track are all standouts. That’s not to say the others are not, they definitely build upon Adler’s strong songwriting skills. She has such a calming voice, a friendly demeanor that each song is like listening to a new friend. It’s like having her in the same room, sharing a moment. In “Sister Harmony” the perky rhythm section gives the song a tempo that is easy to get your toe-tapping.
“Waves of Blue”, which also happens to be the second song right after “Sister Harmony” has some interesting lyrics. I’d like to point out the stanzas “I watch you struggle…hold out your hand, I’ll pull you through.” On the surface, it occurred to me that this is often a comment theme in songwriting. However, I really like the way Adler spins it to her advantage — the ocean can be cleansing, it can be freeing and it can also be swallowing or scary. I think she uses all of these characteristics in this song — but through it all it’s a warm, charming song.
“Feel Alright” (track seven) has a powerful acoustic guitar sound that fills the air. Her harmony is pure. I’m not sure of the instrumentation, but at one point, it’s like an ever-so-slight sound of the steel drum. It’s not reggae by any means, but it’s an island tone. So let’s just take a moment to feel alright, the pristine-sounding Adler sings. Escape into her whimsical sound.
From the first note, “Color My World” feels special. The guitar sound is stripped, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in character. On the contrary, between Adler’s serene vocal prowess and the almost-dainty guitar playing, the listener is never left to deviate from an endless amount of inspiration. The crack of the guitar neck is nestled within the lyrics that you will find a remarkable storyteller and poet. I wanted to crawl into the song and really see the person she’s singing about, and I think I did that. Adler gives her audience a chance to really see things through her eyes and whomever the person is, they are a treasure. The endearing song meanders its way from the soul to the heart to the mind.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Color-My-World/dp/B08B6BD7T6
Fans of singers like Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow (minus the pop and more Americana-folk) and The Chicks will find something they enjoy on Color My World. Where other singers and songwriters are throwing in bells, whistles and the entire kitchen sink, Adler relies on her talents and artistry. Adler is based in Los Angeles. Her influences include Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks (which I can attest that these emerge in several songs). track from her debut album. She definitely brings the California sunshine into her songwriting — Color My World is brilliant.
Colin Jordan
