California’s Annette Adler is on her way to another stellar reception with her latest album, Mama Proud. Taking on the gigantic task of putting the role of motherhood to song, she does it like any woman would – with grace, dignity and a whole lot ‘o natural talent. Her instincts pay off on Mama Proud and the resulting seven songs are delightful Americana ditties. Just as an infinity pool replenishes water, Adler finds a way to rejuvenate the genre with her joy. Mama Proud is one of Adler’s best yet.
Adler, who has previously released the beautiful album, Color My World. Like Color My World, Mama Proud is simple and poignant. She has earned recognition from the International Songwriting Competition, The Renaissance Artists and Writers Association. Her voice is reminiscent of Carol King, Joni Mitchell and even Laura Nyro. She has a vintage layer, and yet in the tracks in Mama Proud, her outwardly disposition is forward thinking. I think there are times in all of these tracks that she’s introspective and reflective, but overall I think Adler really lives in the moment in terms of her vocal delivery and in her writing. She’s incredibly optimistic and positive – you might want to listen to these if you’re feeling a little blue because she makes you feel special and connected.
And you don’t even have to be a parent or mother to feel that way – on the surface these songs are very much about motherhood and her relationship with her children (in this case it’s her sons). I felt though, like in songs “Just Like That” anyone can take heart to the idea that life moves fast and we must take mental photographs of memories. Sometimes the biggest touchstone moments (graduation, birthdays, etc.) aren’t as big as everyday moments. Adler hits that theme again later in “Moments I Take” and “Mama Bear”.
Throughout all the tracks is this babbling sound of the acoustic guitar intermixed with a light piano cascade. She throws in a few rootsy sounds in “Keeping It Together,” “Moments I Take” and “Love The Love”. I think within the sonic walls, that slow burn of the piano, and the evocative guitar work, is a comparison to the ups and downs of being a parent. I think you could also say that about any relationship. The song that really hit that home the most is “All The Answers”. The way Adler describes her son, as if time stands still when she looks at him…and is she is breathing a sigh of relief when she looks into his eyes, gives you all the feels. She trusts him and that he will make the right decisions (again, she revisits this theme in “Mama Bear”) and she has to sit back and watch him grow. I found the seven songs on Mama Proud to be deeply personal. I also found them to be a universal declaration of love that must be shared. Keep this album on your radar and keep it close – Annette Adler is an incredibly talented and gifted singer/songwriter.
Heather Savage