CD Review

Artist: Sara Melson

Title: Dirty Mind

Label: Nettwerk

Released: February 26^th 2008 

4 Stars

Reviewed By: Kindah Mardam Bey

Sara Melson's first full-length feature album Dirty Minds comes out with a bang. Her EP had caught the attention of the Nettwerk Record Label and its easy to see why, as she fits right in with the all star bill of female singers the label is known for, such as Sarah McLachlan, Avril Lavigne and Dido.

Yep, Sara Melson's voice is smooth like honey and entices the listener into every song; whether it is an upbeat pop track, a little more rock inspired or a romantic ballad. Her first single ‘Feel It Coming' is a great way to start the album, it is an uplifting and joyful song akin to ‘Suddenly I See' by K T Tunstall, and will be featured in the plummy spot of a Grey's Anatomy episode. Ballad ‘Never Been Hurt' is a memorable song with a poetic piano tune and the rephrase ‘I'm gonna love you like I've never been hurt before.' ‘Don't You Wanna Know' is an up beat, peppy track, reminiscent of something out of 1980s pop, as if Melson had requested Cindi Lauper's input on this track. Other memorable songs are ‘Turquoise Sky' which is as enticing as a fairytale, and has an acoustic version as the last track, and ‘Happy Endings,' a bold guitar-laden song that has another uplifting theme.

Sara Melson has a great unharnessed voice that rips through a song with confidence and a world of knowing, reminding me of Sheryl Crow's approach to songs. Perhaps the greatest part of Melson's ‘Dirty Minds' is that most of the tracks are songs about hope and happiness. Who says artists need to be tortured-souls in order to create anything good? Melson disproves that stereotype in spades. When you feel like the world is getting down on you, putting Melson's music on will allow you to remember what you can enjoy in life. If you like any of the other female performers mentioned above, Sara Melson's Dirty Minds would be a safe bet to purchase on its release.

1. Feel It Coming
2. Anywhere Anytime
3. Never Been Hurt
4. Hard Pressed
5. Dirty Mind
6. Turquoise Sky
7. Rise Up
8. Fall Down
9. Don't You Wanna Know
10. Happy Endings
11. Nuclear Sun
12. Birthday Prayer
13. Turquoise Sky (acoustic)