How do you summarize being a mother in seven songs? How can even one song take the emotional reach of motherhood? Well, it turns out that singer/songwriter Annette Adler has the capability of doing it all. Adler’s latest album, Proud Mama, is lined with heartfelt lyricism and strong vocal presence. Always accommodating with her guitar work and weaving in the piano and rhythm section, Adler (“Color My World”, “Empty Shoes”, “Relay For Life” and many more), has a song collection that seems to keep its pulse alongside her heart. Her newest direction is up, up and away one of her best.
Adler, who is based in California, has that sunny spotlight shining her path. Her voice is lovely. Not only are her vocals a great fit for the Americana and folk genre, but I could easily see her crossing over into the children’s music game and Christian scene. I can just imagine her smiling each time she sings – you really feel the energy from her grin when she sings. These songs are a part of her and she’s just so happy to share them with the world.
It becomes apparent quickly with the opening song, “Mama Proud” that the majority of the songs are about her own children. Her perspective isn’t necessarily unique as it is genuine. I think she should be very, well, you guessed it, proud. As you listen to this one, then “All The Answers”, “Just Like That” and “Keeping It Together” she’s really honest with her son that her world opened up when he came around. She’d been so patient and careful for his arrival and low and behold, he arrived and she just figured it out as they both took their journey. She never claims to be perfect.
What I found interesting about these songs is that I’m certain we all have a group of friends, and maybe we’re guilty of it too, on social media that humble brag about parenting. Or maybe one day it’s a joke or sharing an embarrassing story. I think when you hear songs like “Moments I Take” and “Love The Love” you get a sense that Adler is never out to show the vulnerable side to her offspring. She’s there to comfort and instill confidence. I think we need more of that and less cyber attention. These are the songs that make you fulfilled and inspired. Not someone posting a photo of a kid tripping on their first day of class. I think Adler would find the humor in a lot of things, but in this album, she’s about building up and giving advice. She’s very generous with melodies and has a prime sense of folksy arrangements. She inserts some tiny elements of bluegrass here and there, too. It’s very subtle.
“Mama Bear” is the last track. I felt like this was a perfect bookend to the title song and really solidifies her overall theme. Love is the answer and she showers the listener with her sentimentality and true happiness. You can’t help but sing along and have a great day after experiencing these awesome songs.
Troy Johnstone