Nadia Ali
Embers
Smile in Bed
8/10
After writing countless reviews and listening to so many different arrangements that could make a person’s head explode, there comes a time when lyrics really do make or break an artist’s record. As long as I’ve been with Racket, I haven’t come across many albums with impressive lyrics because the music overpowers the words most of the time. As a result, I am left feeling disappointed because the potential to harness a true emotional connection with the audience is lost in the fancy machine of studio mixing and recording.
Quality music, I’m talking about the memorable kind, speaks to me on a personal level, much like a well-written film does. All the smoke and mirrors mean nothing without a beating hurt at its foundation. Take for instance the love story in Titanic. The special effects are amazing but after following Jack and Rose’s whirlwind romance, the sinking ship is made to be even more tragic in the end. Dare I say songwriting faces a similar battle in order to bridge the gap between artist and audience. How can one artist successfully reach out to fans on a genuine, heartfelt level?
After reading her poetic lyrics while simultaneously listening to the album, I instantly became a fan of Nadia Ali. I never heard of the dance music sensation, but her latest album, “Embers,” enticed me. It wasn’t just her sultry sound mixed in together with that enchanting singing voice; it was her songwriting that got me hook, line and sinker. She obviously endured her fair share of painful heartache which is undeniable on such tracks as, “Silver Lining,” “Mistakes,” and “Promises.” It’s a powerful and striking chord that this young woman hits with me personally on this record because I can certainly relate to the pain that comes with a broken heart. At times, I found it hard to listen to because she literally runs through the gauntlet of emotions I’ve felt in the past but quite honestly, it’s all very medicinal and comforting. For instance, “Point the Finger,” talks about moving on from a past relationship with someone new who appreciates you for everything you’re worth. Ali harshly tells her previous love about what she’s learned: When a glass breaks it never goes back the same/You can vow eternity but I will never take your name/Everything we ever had best to keep it in the past/Everything we ever felt I don’t want to remember back.
It’s much more than clever wordplay, it speaks volumes of Ali’s passion to write and engage in meaningful storytelling. She is not afraid to step into that realm at all which is a treat for fans who appreciate risk-taking artists with integrity. Also, it doesn’t hurt that this New York native has an incredible vocal talent and it just melts into the seductive melody that holds this record together. Also, she reminds me of Madonna during her heyday and especially now with the dance records. Ali’s new single, “Fine Print” and the track, “Love Story” fits in the same vein as that pop culture icon and from the sound of this well-produced record, she can have similar career longevity.
-Gail Navarro