Free Soul: Madeline Merlo Album Review & Contest!
BC born and raised, Madline Merlo has been working and waiting for this moment… and now it’s here.
Merlo’s debut album, Free Soul, two years in the making, comes to country fans this Friday, April 29 from Open Road Recordings, and will not leave listeners disappointed. It’s a treat to get an 11 song album from a young artist, with the resurgence of EPs in music recently, and it’s a treat we’re excited to receive.
We’ve had a chance to sit down with Free Soul over the last few days and take in the tracks… over and over again. And the reason we’ve done it is simple. We like it.
Fans who have followed Madeline, or are familiar with 2015’s breakout hit, Honey Jack, know that she can sing. Add her 2015 Rising Star award from the Canadian Country Music Association, and it’s no secret that Madeline Merlo has talent. But talent alone doesn’t equal a great album.
Madeline Merlo, Free Soul Tracklist
1. Whatcha Wanna Do About It
2. War Paint
3. Over and Over
4. Holding on to Freedom
5. Tumbling
6. Honey Jack
7. Ready to Say Goodnight (ft. Tim Hicks)
8. Crush
9. Sinking Like a Stone
10. Alive
11. Twist of Fate
Free Soul features 4 songs that may sound familiar… 2014 singles Sinking Like A Stone & Alive, 2015’s Honey Jack, and her current Top 10 single, Whatcha Wanna Do About It. All four of those tracks, plus the 7 new songs that fans will soon have their hands on are well written, well produced, and well executed on the microphone by Ms. Merlo.
It can sometimes feel early to add young talent to the list of names demanding attention and radio play, but this album will firmly put Madeline Merlo in the same company as Canadians Jess Moskaluke and Kira Isabella, and it should. It’s that good.
The songs, top to bottom, combine sweetness and sass, with energy that makes it fun to listen to. You’ll want to dance at points, you’ll want to close your eyes and listen at others, and it won’t be long before you’re singing along.
On the singing along front, we’re looking forward to seeing Madeline at Boots & Hearts this summer where we know the crowd will be 100% involved. And while we can’t promise anything… it would seem like a perfect opportunity (if scheduling permits) for Tim Hicks to hop up on stage to sing Ready to Say Goodnight.
Madeline told us how excited she was for this album to be completed and out into the world when we spoke with her last December… and now that it is, we want to help you get your hands on it.
Enter now using the widget below and you could win 1 of 3 copies of Madeline Merlo’s new album, Free Soul. Take care to follow all instructions provided to confirm your entries count, and for an extra chance to win, follow @thereviewsarein on Twitter this Wednesday, April 27 for your chance to win as well.
Good luck!
Whatcha Wanna Do About It
creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.
I’m hoping I will be able to see Madeline Merlo at the Boots & Hearts festival this year.
saw her first ever show when she opened up for paul brandt & dean brody. She is a great up and coming Canadian artist