Canadian and Quebecoise singer Mia Kelly released a new album, To Be Clear. The themes are soul-searching, storytelling, love and heartbreak.
The music is Folk with musical details that remind me of Pop music songs by Andreanne A Malette and Jazz-style sounds in Norah Jones’s work.
The semi-fast songs on this record are incredible. The song Bonefish Boys has an impressive 50s-style Jazz beat and a Rock-style sound that parallels the single Clint Eastwood by the band Gorillaz. It reminds me of Carole King’s early works and Horse with No Name by America. The guitar in the background adds a bold touch. The rhythm is consistent and smooth. The tune Rideau Tombe has a bold guitar beat. The music is catchy and distinctive, with a road trip vibe. It reminds me of the ’70s hit Horse with No Name by America. It also parallels Andreanne A. Mallette’s 2014 single Mes Habitudes (My Habits). The song Lone Dog has a dynamic composition. It parallels Pat Benatar’s Heartbreaker and Breakfast in America’s Supertramp with a fun Rock and roll touch.
There are soulful ballads that create a magical feeling. South Went the Bird has a beautiful beat. The guitar in this piece creates an intimate atmosphere. It parallels the Folk music from the 70s. Si J’étais Franche has a catchy drum beat. It reminds me of the music by Andreanne A. Malette and Laurence St-Martin. There’s a lovely, wavy rhythm. The song Watercolour Girl features incredible piano playing that reminds me of Sheryl Crown and the late Amy Winehouse. The music is rich and smoothly rhythmic. The piece Sally May is a fun blend of Country and Folk. The guitar playing in this tune feels relaxing. The song Meaning Well has a smooth rhythm and feels cozy. It has a contemplative and relaxing vibe. The semi-fast guitar beat adds a nice musical layer. Oleander is a fantastic piece. The composition is smooth. It reminds me of 90s folk music. The song Remedy River has a beautiful gradient composition and incredible, smooth tempo changes. It reminds me of the 90s single “I Hope You Dance,” but with a folk touch. It feels relaxing and is a suitable song for the fall season.
The music is phenomenal on this album.
Mia Kelly’s voice is rich, soulful and rhythmic. She has a Gwen Stefani and Carole King vibe. She sings with feeling and sincerity.
The lyrics are profound and poetic. The bilingual aspect of the album is impressive. These remarkable songs have so much depth.
The storytelling component of this album is fantastic. The song Bonefish Boys has great imagery and a 50s setting. It’s descriptive and impressively freestyled. Sally May is a well-written, short poem. The tune boldly uses the “a little goes a long way” technique. Rideau Tombe is a heartfelt metaphor for the curtain call. It represents hope and a new chapter in life. Lone Dog is a profound and expressive song that describes anger and frustration about the suffering women go through, especially sexual assault. It could be a theme piece for the Me Too movement, especially when Mia Kelly mentions [Harvey] Weinstein. There’s a karma component that is quite interesting. It’s a very well-written song. Oleander is an impressively detailed story about a woman named Mary from a small town. The imagery is intricate and bold, and the song is well-written.
Another aspect that’s poetic and heartfelt is the theme of soul-searching.
South Went the Bird is beautifully written with sentiment and nostalgia. It’s a lovely metaphor for preparing for the winter (a time of hibernation). Si J’étais Franche is a romantic tune written in an incredibly simplistic way, especially the chorus. It has an easygoing vibe, and the song’s lyrical structure represents that well. Meaning Well is a heartfelt piece about kindness and compassion. Remedy River has impressive symbolism (for example, water) describing memories. It also reminds me of a spiritual awakening and meditation. The song is well-written and has a heart and soul.
Watercolour Girl is a profound piece about heartbreak and grief. It’s emotional and vulnerable -from the heart.
The lyrics are intricately well-written with poetry and depth.
The album To Be Clear is available.
