Inspiring, fresh and full of soul is how I would describe The Bridge, the debut album from SRC/Universal/Motown recording artist Melanie Fiona. The title fits most appropriately, as this album fuses together multiple styles and genres from different generations to create an eclectic masterpiece, a new-age classic. Leading the way for this release was the fierce Zombie-sampled Give It To Me Right, a great choice as it sets a strong tone for the rest of the album. It Kills Me follows up as the second single, driving the vocals even further along with the emotion and soul. Then there’s the inspirational-but-not- churchy anthem Ay Yo, which utilizes a boastful horn section to promote the song's message of strength and determination. Monday Morning takes on an old school vibe and is a “Dear John” of sorts. Similarly, Please Don’t Go (Cry Baby) channels a 60’s/70’s Supremes-type feel with tight harmonies and another blazing horns section. It’s easy to get lost in the angelic backing vocals of You Stop My Heart, which is uniquely mixed with a militant march cadence. Other highlights include the high-spirited and upbeat Johnny, the vocally strong Priceless and the closing ballad Teach Him, where Fiona croons atop a softly strummed guitar melody.
Rarely do we find such a mix of beauty and natural talent in one package as is the case with Melanie Fiona. This album has a very natural, almost unplugged feel to it. From the moment you press play, there’s not a bad cut on this album, it’s a solid debut release and should be appreciated for it’s ability - above everything else – to keep it real: real music, real instrument, real vocals, REAL TALENT.
Sound-Savvy rates The Bridge with 5 out of 5 platinum headphones.
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