admin 
Los Angeles’ Annette Adler soothes the heart and the soul in her new seven-song album Mama Proud. Beaming with pride as a mother of boys, this special connection is conveyed across the gentle piano arrangements and trickling acoustic guitar beds. Adler, who’s rich, vibrant voice is perfectly gentle and sincere, sings as though you were the only person listening. Her voice is clear and the lyrics are like open-letters. Mama Proud might have a special connection for mothers, and parents, but Adler proves that anyone’s love can be put to music.
The first song is the title track. It plays out like a bit of an advice column. Adler’s calming vocals, situated perfectly into the adult-contemporary and pop genre, are smoothly placed above the slightly Americana music bed mix. There are a few more songs that sound more Americana than “Mama Proud”, but as the first song out of the gate, it has moments where you can hear that slight crossroads between pop and country. Be the one that stands up for what’s right, sings Adler. Her voice is warm and you can tell she is singing with conviction and love.
“All The Answers” and “Just Like That” are the next selections. What I liked most about “All The Answers” is that as a mom, Adler is being transparent about her anxieties and not knowing everything. What she does know is that when she sees her son, she knows that there is love and that she trusts in that relationship. In “Just Like That”, a song that is made to be the soundtrack to a boy’s graduation or even wedding song, Adler sets the tone early with the captivating lyrics: before you got here, I loved you.
In “Moments I Take”, the rambling banjo-like sound emerges. I’m not quite sure if this was a banjo, but it had echoes of bluegrass. It’s very subtle. This track had a quicker bounce to it, a different burst of sunlight. These are the moments I live for, Adler sings. I loved the imagery she creates and the undeniable love she possesses being a mom. The final two tracks, “Love The Love” and “Mama Bear” further cement Adler’s undeniable talents. She has a knack for sounding so pure and honest. These songs are appropriate for all ages and I can also imagine Christian music fans being guided by her voice. She’s quite lovely.
Adler not only dedicated these songs to her sons, but she also notes in her press materials, she places special recognition to her mother and her mother-in-law. Again, you can feel the love coming through these songs. I don’t think she takes any day with her family for granted. These songs are such a blessing and Adler captures memories and makes new ones. Sentimental? Yes. A solid mix of guitar, piano and top-notch vocals? Yes. Adler should be very pleased (and proud) from the art she shares in the excellent album, Mama Proud. Adler’s music has us all in great hands.
by Jennifer Munoz
