#9 Album Of 2011
Posted December 26, 2011
By KevinMcNeese_NRT, Staff Reviewer
I had the privilege to see Dara Maclean perform acoustically to a small audience as her label, Word Records, began introducing her before her summer debut. I remember thinking to myself, "Wow, I'm getting a first glimpse at next year's New Artist of the Year." And 10 months later, I'm fully expecting not only a nomination, but a well deserved win for Dara. Watching Dara sing her heart out, in perfect pitch was one of those moments I'll remember for a long time. She is a true artist through and through, humble and patient in His plan, and it was apparent she loves God and gives Him all the credit for her path.
Dara has a great, unique voice that is so needed in today's polished pop landscape. I appreciate albums that sound a little different and voices that stand out from the pack and Dara's music and voice does both extremely well.
Musically, You Got My Attention fuses R&B, Pop, Soul and even elements of Jazz. Listeners will certainly appreciate the tones of Lauren Hill, Adele and even her own label mate, Francesca Battistelli.
I love listening to songs where you can actually see the artist smiling in your mind. Joy is not just lyrics on paper, it's a full emotion and not always brought through the speakers well. But Dara has joy and you hear it in the lyrics and the voice throughout songs like "You Got My Attention," "Free," "Nothin' You Won't Do" and the first single, "Suitcases."
Dara also provides some nice moments of vulnerability on songs like "Yours Forever" and "Had To Be You," which are musically stripped from production yet just as shiny as the other tracks.
As an artist that's not coming onto the scene fresh out of grade school, Dara has a great perspective on life that many new artists in our industry are only starting to discover. I believe that gives Dara an instant depth that is a joy, and instant comfort, to jump in. It's certainly one of the few debuts worthy to be placed on my Top 10 list this year. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinMcNeese_NRT | View KevinMcNeese_NRT's Profile
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