Melissa Etheridge – This is M.E. 2015 [Limited Edition]

Having been writing and recording for over 25 years it’s no wonder that the name Melissa Etheridge is a familiar one. But although the name is well-known, in all these years I’ve never listened to an album by this multi-platinum selling artist. Until now that is.

Whilst this album isn’t enough to make me a fully-fledged Etheridge mega-fan I must say that this album isn’t half bad. Sure it’s a bit M.O.R. but I can live with that. Melissa’s voice is strong, rich and melodic – evocative of Kim Carnes and Tina Turner although very much distinguishable from those performers.

Without suffering from excessively mainstream-targeted modern pop production this record is nevertheless surprisingly hip and commercial sounding whilst retaining a gravity and a personality befitting the artist. This isn’t someone trying to get down with the kids but doing things their own way the best that they can.

The production is really good having a weighty beefy low end that fits with Melissa’s full and gritty vocal tone. She sure can belt out a tune as she shows on the bluesy ‘All The Way Home’.

‘Like A Preacher’ is such a strong song that it has me questioning my earlier comment that I’m in no danger of becoming an Etheridge disciple.

There’s not a bad song on this record or any weak spots that you feel the need to gloss over. Ironically, for me it’s the final song (‘Who Are You Waiting For’) where Melissa sings her most heartfelt song that leaves me thinking that I could have stopped at 10 songs instead of 11.

If you’ve ever been something of fan of female fronted rock, if you’ve ever owned an album by Alannah Myles, Heart or plumbed the far corners with Robin Beck and Holly Knight – well I’m here to say that this is a better and far more consistent album than any of those artist have produced – with the exception of Heart – it is better than ‘Brigade’ though.

01. I Won’t Be Alone Tonight (04:28)
02. Take My Number (03:55)
03. A Little Hard Hearted (03:49)
04. Do It Again (02:59)
05. Monster (03:29)
06. Ain’t That Bad (03:12)
07. All the Way Home (04:14)
08. Like a Preacher (04:05)
09. Stranger Road (03:25)
10. A Little Bit of Me (03:26)
11. Who Are You Waiting For (04:07)
12. Favorite Song (3:34)
13. What I Do (3:48)

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