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 Through These Walls sounds like the kind of big production you'd expect from a diva with a shelf full of Grammys, but is in fact the debut album from singer/songwriter/pianist Hilary McRae. This 21 year-old Floridian honed her songs while studying at Boston's Berklee School of Music and touring in Central and South America with Latin superstar Christian Castro before coming home and deciding it was high time she laid down some tracks of her own.
The result, produced by long-time friend Zach Ziskin, is an impressive collection that highlights McRae's prodigious talents and rich, alto voice, reflecting the pedigree of her R&B/soul/jazz influences.
Artist: Hilary McRae
Album: Through These Walls
Website: Official / Myspace |
The lyrics may dwell on familiar themes of love sought, found and lost, but the music is never downbeat. Instead, it's propelled by the kind of infectious melodies that make you want to sing into your hairbrush in front of the mirror.
Up tempo R&B tracks such as "Hostage", "Consider Me Gone" and opener "Every Day" are bold, brassy and empowered, while even soulful ballads like "Love Song For You" and "Like You Never Loved Me" seem infused with a hopeful, positive vibe.
Highlights are "Something's Come Over Me" and "Better Off Alone", two powerful, upbeat tracks where McRae's smoky vocals soar over the stabbing horn section. It's the perfect soundtrack for anyone who's ever gone through that bad breakup and come out the other side, and a classy debut into the bargain.
Through These Walls will be released on April 15th, available at your local record store or at your local Starbucks on their Hear Music label.
This Reviewer's Rating:   4.5 / 5
my kid saw the video of her on the net and showed me, not usually a fan of pop, but i gotta admit the tune's good and she's a cutey I recently saw her perform @ "The Living Room" in NYC. She is totally amazing. Can't believe she's just 21 years old. From what I've heard, she has a very bright future. Can't wait for her CD! I've been hooked on this girl's stuff for a few months now and am dying to hear her play live. I like how you described it - "infectious melodies that make you want to sing into your hairbrush in front of the mirror". I agree. |
