Etheridge’s Love is Fearless

It is rare these days for an artist to still be affiliated with the same record company, but Melissa Etheridge has managed to do this for over 20 years. In that time she has created several iconic songs that have defined pain, loneliness and hunger in ways that have not been able to be expressed lyrically before. With several awards under her belt and the popularity of her most commercially successful album (“Yes I Am”) Etheridge always has a plethora of fans who anxiously await her next album. After three years she has come out with “Fearless Love” featuring a series of songs that speak directly to your soul.

Only Etheridge could sing “I am what I am afraid of” and not have it sound as if she’s on an ego trip. With a tight musical arrangement centering around some of the best guitar playing out there, “Fearless Love” is an anthem that makes a declaration that you demand to be taken as you are. Settling for this protagonist is not an option – and if that means being alone, then so be it. What’s more this track makes you want to keep listening to see if the other songs are as strong as this one.

Luckily “The Wanting of You” satiates that curiosity. The way Etheridge weaves a story gives the listener a clear picture of what she desires to express and leaves room for the imagination to roam at the same time. As in the previous track this song also rocks as it mixes quiet moments with high rising crescendos that are never over the top.

The album continues with the sensual sounding “Company” which is an intimate track that declares the “need to understand this misery” of life. The narrative emphasizes that there is solace in writing, but the need for human, physical contact supersedes journaling. It’s a song that will have you seeking out the companionship of someone who understands and doesn’t judge.

Before you can recover from the emotional roller coaster ride of “Company” you are confronted with one of the coolest songs Etheridge may have written to date. “Miss California” is sure to be a favorite with hard-hitting, in your face lyrics that are bold without being vulgar. It’s as if you’re forced to peel off your skin and with every painful strip Etheridge makes you like it. You also wonder who she’s singing about. Just who is this “Miss California” and why is she hiding who she is?

“Drag me Away” gives the listener a chance to their breath – barely. It’s a solid song that talks about how nothing can stop you from overcoming an illness, or living your best life. “There is no force that can drag [you] away” from this song either. “Indiana” is the story of a single mother who doesn’t even have hope to give her daughter. The gentle intro followed by the faster pace of the music reveals a sense of urgency that this girl breaks out to find her place in the world. Eventually she stops trying to outrun her need for home and finds it in what she deems important – not being famous, but in her family. “Nervous” as in several of her other songs has a tinge of autobiography in it. It’s also an upbeat song that will have you playing your best air guitar.

Unfortunately the rock-out introspection comes to a halt with the preachy, message oriented “We are the Ones.” The lyrics remind you that every action you do in the world has an effect, but it doesn’t have to be heavy-handed in the approach. A lighter touch is warranted for this type of song.

Etheridge redeems herself with the mandolin and guitar featured “Only Love” another slow burn of a song that does what “We are the Ones” could not. Without being didactic Etheridge emphasizes that “we have more power than it seems.” It’s a message track that empowers the listener. More importantly it’s a great song. Although it could be 30 seconds shorter.

“To be Loved” is exemplary of Etheridge’s ability to cram deep, soul-sticking emotions into the words of her songs with a guitar lick that wails as if it’s in mourning. And the instrumentation of “Gently We Row” is the perfect song to end this heart-wrenching album as Etheridge helps her listeners “gently … find our way home.” The slow rhythm of the guitar is like a lullaby as the sing-song lyrics rock us to “dream.”

Etheridge’s album will leave you emotionally spent, yet you’ll want to immediately listen to it again. And that’s the mark of a true storyteller.