Underrated. One word of many that could be used to describe sultry Canadian songstress Melanie Fiona, who shines through the overwhelmingly passionate and slightly dark themes of her latest album. Filled with regret, true pain, hope and the soul to go with it, the record, ‘The MF Life’ is one sure to snag the hearts of men, the likeness of women and the ears of many.
The number three track, “Break Down These Walls,” is a melodic plea of passion as Fiona begs for her lover to let her into his heart to strengthen their relationship. She tries to soothe and console with the line, “love has no fear, please let down your walls” to keep their union going. Fiona’s vocals are strong, demanding and even comforting as she weaves mid and low notes along a precise mid-tempo. The lyrics are quite short, stopping just before three minutes to allow a little more than a minute of stimulation from an impressive combo of acoustics and an electric guitar. This song is relatable to both sexes and relates to the trials of dealing with a heart previously broken or a heart scared of love.
The number six track, “Running,” is a classic in the works. The song, which features Nas, focuses on a woman who reaches that point in her relationship where she’s torn between calling it quits and still pursuing her lover. Fiona belts out the tune, possibly to emulate the idea of being fed up with the situation. Whatever the case, her vocals carry the message along through the song. Nas and his bars defend the men as he explains his love but that he is conflicted as well. The song urges one to find a resolution.
The number nine track, “Bones,” takes things a bit left field, in a good way. The song has an oddly southern overtone, as the eerie bluegrass/doo-wop fusion transports you down to a Louisiana bayou. Fiona brings you into a world of sultry, raw intimacy and stuns with the bold wish for a man as she commands her lover to “gimme gimme gimme your bones.” Amidst the sexual tone of the song is a beat that is another classic, powerful and deep as Fiona’s incredible and insanely provocative voice, which haunts and teases as it settles upon the beat like dusk around a candle. This song will give you chills to the bone, good chills.
The next song is oddly hopeful. “Can’t Say I Never Loved You,” the eleventh track, starts off sunny and fresh, comprised of tropical acoustics and percussion. Fiona sings a story about a woman who dismisses the man that broke up with her, but acknowledges the fact that she did love him. The song is sweet, sure to resonate with women everywhere.
The MF Life had a dream production team, with songwriting from Fiona herself, rapper Drake ( credited under Aubrey Graham), Johnta Austin and T-Pain and production from producers like Rico Love, T-Pain and Andrea Martin. More than several producers and songwriters had their hand in the cookie jar with this album and the result is absolutely splendid.
Fiona herself, with the songwriting and smooth R&B tempos of Alicia Keys and the raspy, soul-laden octave of Jazmine Sullivan, is a whirlwind of creativity and adaptability. The album exceeds the expectations of its predecessor, “The Bridge.” Fiona’s growth as an artist is seen and heard by all means on this album.
The MF Life was released on March 20 and is available for download along with the deluxe version, which has an additional four songs.
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