Buy-stream Before I Go here (external link)
In dark times comes a creative light, a beacon of hope that better days are ahead. Turns out Marisha Wallace is shining hers so brightly that we are all blessed to bask in its reflective glory. Following from her triumphant version of Tomorrow (from the musical Annie), she's previewing her upcoming album of the same name with a gorgeous new original song called Before I Go. Written by the super talented Jamie Hartman, it is the type of song that brings alive the story - not just with lyrics but through thoughtful, considered production and, of course, that sterling vocal from Ms Wallace herself. Marisha sings of moving on but not before she speaks her truth, and what a truth it is. Fuelled by fiery determination and righteous honesty, this is a theatrical performance that comes from her lived experience. She commands every word and every note, using emphasis and dynamic voice control to infuse the song with the power it deserves. She's swathed in a finger click, mid-tempo groove and buoyed in her journey by a sumptuous gospel choir. Much like angels from on high, they add intricate texture and passion to the music, swelling in perfect unison with that rousing chorus. It could easily be a new Motormouth Maybelle solo in Hairspray, as compelling as I Know Where I've Been. Remember when Elizabeth Warren was silenced with Nevertheless, She Persisted? This is the sonorous musical accompaniment to that movement. STUNNING.
But wait! In true old school, nipping down to Woolworths to check out the new releases fashion, there is an actual b-side! We'd be flipping over a lovely vinyl 7" record right now whilst admiring the poster pack it came with! Marisha takes on Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music and it is genuinely a goose bump moment. The song starts gentle and encouraging; just Marisha and a resonant piano solo - as if she is searching deep inside to impart wisdom yet drawing strength from this herself. This is exquisitely enhanced by the subtle crescendo of the music, adding in a nunnery of backing singers that send the chorus soaring past seventh heaven to rest on cloud nine. It is jaw droppingly incredible how the music comes at you with such resolute emotion that it simultaneously cocoons and comforts you. Not to sound too hyperbolic but those final fifteen seconds make me want to fall to my knees and weep with joy that such beauty still exists in this world.
Top 25 songs of the week:
25 ~ Kylie, Say Something
24 ~ Christopher, Leap of Faith
23 ~ Roxette, Let Your Heart Dance With Me (NE)
22 ~ Gary Barlow, Elita (NE)
21 ~ Alanis Morrisette, Reckoning
20 ~ Ava Max, Who's Laughing Now
19 ~ Sabrina Carpenter, Let Me Move You
18 ~ Jason Mraz ft Tiffany Haddish, You Do You
17 ~ Erasure, Nerves of Steel
16 ~ Delta Goodrem, Solid Gold
15 ~ Johnny Hates Jazz, New Day
14 ~ Smith & Thell, Year Of The Young
13 ~ Bright Light Bright Light, I Used To Be Cool
12 ~ Go-Go's, Club Zero
11 ~ The Killers, My Own Soul's Warning
10 ~ Fly By Midnight ft Shoffy, Caffeine
09 ~ Swayday, Disconnecting
08 ~ Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Crying At The Discotheque
07 ~ Mariah Carey, Save The Day
06 ~ Dua Lipa, Levitating (Blessed Madonna Remix)
05 ~ Beware The Bear ft Sean Smith, Wishing On The Water
04 ~ Robbie Williams & The Struts, Strange Days
03 ~ McFly, Tonight Is The Night (NE)
02 ~ Steps, What The Future Holds
01 ~ Kylie, Magic (1 week)
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