Annette Adler is bringing love and magic to the masses with her album Color My World. Undoubtedly this will be met with positive reactions worldwide, and Adler is one singer to rave about. Adler’s voice beams when she sings such descriptive lyrics, leaving the listener not only spellbound by her soaring harmony, but just as immersed by her guitar playing. Color My World is ripe with humble sounds, but that is not to discredit the emotional power these tracks possess. Magnified by lyrics that stretch the color wheel, Adler shines in this new Americana collection, Color My World.
It’s easy to embrace and be captivated by Adler’s passionate singing. Right out of the gate in “Sister Harmony” Adler strikes a rare inroad between Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and the Indigo Girls. No, imagine, though, she’s just one harmony. I suspect she’s mixed into the final track with her backing vocals, but that richness in her voice sounds unstoppable.
By tracks two and three, “Waves of Blue” (a beachy, warm-toned charmer) and “It Feels Forever” her voice not only settles in, but it almost as if she were singing you a lullaby. She has such a sweetness, a genuine heart to her voice, that you can’t help but smile while listening to her sing. “Years” is wonderful and even the heartbreaking “Empty Shoes” brings joy. Adler notes in her press materials that she wrote “Empty Shoes” after seeing the collection of sneakers on the Capital grass after a mass school shooting. This song has such deep, deep meaning. It can’t be ignored. Something about her guitar work is equally affectionate and comforting. Adler doesn’t let her listener stray too far into sorrow.
“Signs” and jazzier “Feel Alright” make way for the upbeat “Family You Choose” and mid tempo “Actually”. The last few songs “No Tellin’”, “Call Me Crazy” and “Just Like That” are all fantastic, well-executed productions. You really get a sense of Adler’s artistry and commitment to the song and it’s various layers. She always gives special attention to the harmonies and the way her voice sounds, hovering above the guitar is alchemy. Finally, the title track has a fluid tone and urges the listener to keep moving forward. Later in the day, I recalled the guitar work, a classical-guitar arrangement. It sort of reminded me of “Arms” from Christina Perri. Adler projects confidence and honesty. It tiptoes much more into the folk scene than the pop scene, steering the listener especially close to their heartstrings. The mood, the tones are full of fondness. Adler’s voice is affectionate.
If you’re still reading, you can probably gather that the verdict on Color My World is pretty high on the mark. It’s my first introduction to Adler, and I can confidently say that this Los Angeles, California, artist is a new favorite. She also has a YouTube channel where she hosts a ‘duets’ series. It’s a mix of interview and performance. I took a peak at a few episodes and felt immediately like I knew Adler, just from hearing Color My World.
Claire Uebelacker