This has been out for a while; it was actually released in 2022, but Benny sent it over with a review request so I sat on it a little bit and then got down to business! Here’s a little story first. I used to work doing reviews for another online music magazine but I was told off by them when I did a review one day and said in the review that I was listening to the album while in the bath. They told me it was disrespectful to the artist! Just to show how things are different here with this magazine, I am doing the first part of this interview in the bath with some scented candles and some nice bubbles (part 2 on the sofa in PJ’s)! The children are in bed; my partner is downstairs watching a documentary on the American Civil War, and I am in the mood for music!
First of all, here is the press information I was sent over:
Rebecca Aadland is a soulful singer-songwriter and lifelong observer of the human condition. Having also worked as a teacher, psychotherapist, and public speaker, she is drawn to courageous stories of finding true love and pursuing joyful work. For more than 35 years, the Minneapolis-based artist has performed at music clubs, colleges and conferences, sharing her folk/pop originals with humour and honesty. Born into a musical family in Absarokee, Montana, Rebecca was the seventh of 10 children. Her father was a minister and pipe organ builder, her mother played the church organ, and all the children sang. She became intrigued by themes of psychology, family and religion from a young age and how these forces shape our life story. Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in music, specialising in voice and music education. She taught choral music in public schools for 14 years, and before that, she donned big hair in an all-girl cover band in the 80s. Rebecca took a break from pursuing music professionally to raise three children and complete a master’s degree in psychology, eventually working as a psychotherapist. Yet Rebecca often weaved musical performances into her teaching and public speaking engagements. Leaving her first marriage in 2001 was pivotal in Rebecca’s story, leaping into the unknown to find true love and writing songs along the way. In 2007, she released her debut album, Foreign Soul, and was selected as the Midwest Regional Finalist in the prestigious New Song Contest in 2009. A year later, she met her soulmate and future husband, Brian Tillotson, who became her biggest champion and her closest collaborator. Brian was heavily involved with the making of her new album and even co-wrote one of the songs. Tragically, Brian died of sudden cardiac arrest on the day they submitted the final masters and artwork for the album. A true labour of love, Rebecca released Stronger Broken on June 13, 2022, as a tribute to her late husband. Recorded and engineered by Dik Shopteau (Judd, Tina Turner, Todd Rundgren, Tex Pistols Band) and mastered by Greg Reierson (Prince, Jonny Lang, Jenny Lewis, The Suburbs), the album of originals features some of the Twin Cities’ top players, including Greg Schutte (Ryan Bingham, Stephen Stills, Chastity Brown), Kurt Jorgensen (The Jorgensens) and Lantz Dale (Jeremy Poland Band, IV Play).
May I say how sad I was for Rebecca in losing her husband like that. Life can be shit sometimes.
My Review:
The album runs to 14 songs (track 14 is a reprise of I’ll Walk With You”) and comes in at 52 minutes.
“Carnival” keeps us turning around on that Ferris Wheel. I would describe this opening number as an upbeat folk-pop number. It is a tale of getting lost in the carnival, meeting clowns and discovering a great beat that you could easily dance to (if you weren’t in the bath at the time).
“I’ll Walk With You” picks up the acoustic guitar for a reflective song about a Summers day long ago. We all have our memories and those no one can ever take away. It’s a love song, a gentle tale of times that are better than today.
“By the River” has a bit of a funky feel. I liked this one; you get into the groove and there are these background vocals that appear for the chorus that work nicely. It’s kind of an all-together song with some cool guitar harmony.
“Move Outside” boasts some seriously well constructed harmonies. The vocals meet the emotion well, but the instrumentalisation is ever so slightly mediaeval and dreamy.
“We’ll Get Through” is next up. (for those interested, I’m now on the sofa with a hot chocolate and the cat!) Its a tale of lines crossed and moments lost. Rebecca turns to regrets and the song is one of those with a late-night feel. Sad songs are best for winter, you know.
“Broken Pieces” is a traditional song, acoustic guitar, a story about broken hearts and trust. It slips into the feel of the album nicely.
“Twist in the Plot” was my favourite. It is pop folk with Little Miss Muffet. I liked it because it made me feel happy, the beat was cool and it juxtaposes those nursery rhymes with skill. A great little song, this one.
“Darlin’ It’s Bedtime” is a dreamy number, appropriate for the title! It drives to a gentle beat, but those rolling drums lifted the track and the little touches of violin worked well.
“Stuck in Yesterday” is a conversational track as Rebecca is somewhere between boredom and rage. The chorus connects emotion effectively and the cry of “help me, I’m stuck in destiny” is one we can all connect with.
“Maizy” rolls along with a little bit of country mixed in the folk feeling. It is an uplifting little song and I bet this one works well with a live audience. I also think this is a very radio-friendly song; I would see country radio picking up on it.
“Happy Couple” has a slower shuffle and a decent little beat to it. It is a song that would work well with a small gathering; it had the feeling of being with me in the room, maybe a little bit of jazz in there that I liked.
“Minnesota Morning” has a sunrise, dance feel to the tune. It was a song full of belonging and positivity.
“Too Many Songs” effectively closes the album with a touch of lament and contemplation; the music is stripped back and the vocals are as clear as if she is sitting alongside me.
In summary, I’m glad I listened to this album and “Twist in the Plot” went onto my personal playlist. The album is a folk album full of life stories, yesterdays and hope. It also has touches of country and jazz if you look and listen hard enough. It is emotive and touching, but also sometimes made me want to get up and sway to the music.
Standout Tracks: “Carnival,” “Twist in the Plot,” and “Maizy.”
And I hope you liked the review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise, editorials and even poetry! We work hard for you, and if you want to show some appreciation and support what we do, then do use the Support Us link below and buy me a coffee for Christmas! Always appreciated.
You can stream the album from here
The artist website is here
By Lorraine Foley