Madelyn Berry – Madelyn

Madelyn Berry
Madelyn
BerryTightMusic 2011
http://www.madelynberry.org/

On her eponymously-titled third CD, Madelyn Berry continues to demonstrate that she can hold her own vocally against better-known urban gospel female singers such as Damita Haddon and Kiki Sheard.

TBGB first became aware of the stylish songstress from Apopka, Florida last year when she released her live CD, You Deserve All Praise. Berry’s new album bristles with the same bright energy as her sophomore project. The pop-infused songs here are inspirational, their titles as straightforward and uncomplicated as their messages. They explore human resilience, the need for encouragement, belief in one’s own abilities, appreciation for inner beauty, and maintaining strength in adversity. Woven throughout all is the importance of leaning on the Lord.

Madelyn’s dozen tuneful tracks are given Berry’s effervescent vocal treatment and are adroitly produced by Berry’s husband and songwriting partner, Taron. The songs buzz with electronic support when they are not breezy and acoustic, such as on the ballads “Never Alone” and “Lord You’re Always There.” A remix of the already-lively “Why I Love Him” bumps the track up a few revolutions, and “Every Lil Thing,” the album’s first single, begs for listener participation.

Madelyn is a marvelously pleasing listen, and Madelyn Berry could well become the year’s latest prime candidate for major label attention.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “You Can Make It,” “Every Little Thing.”