At this point in her career, Tara MacLean has enough experience with songwriting to be able to easily craft magic. Whether independently or otherwise, she has a slew of past projects under her belt. It’s no surprise that her new album, Deeper, plays through without a single hitch, but it doesn’t make it any less exciting.
The album has a very somber start. We’re given song after song of soft, sad melodies and heartbreaking lyrics. “Edge of the Sea” is a gut-punch of an opening track, five solid minutes of pure, raw emotion.
Even “Palace” initially sounds like it’s going to be a story of romance, only to quickly turn sour. MacLean knows the vein where her voice shines, and she makes sure to tap into it on the majority of the tracks.
This isn’t confined to songs of personal hardship, though that is something she thrives at. “Beneath the Path of Crows” is a chilling tribute to the historical tragedy experienced by Canada’s First Nations peoples, particularly the Mi’kmaq. MacLean wrote it at the request of Senator Brian Francis and Chief Matilda Ramjattan of the Lennox Island Band. It was a collaborative effort between MacLean and Dennis Ellsworth, Gilbert Sark, Hubert Francis and Daniel Howlett. Brian Francis described it by saying, “We have made medicine.” The statement couldn’t be more fitting.
This song is only one of many collaborations on this album.
Recorded at The Hill Sound Studio on PEI, the list of Prince Edward Island talent that came together to contribute to this album seems endless. Dennis Ellsworth co-produced the album, Tim Chaisson, Alicia Toner, Meaghan Blanchard, and Kinley Dowling are only a small sliver of the artists who have lent their talents. The list truly does go on.
Another standout track is MacLean’s moody cover of “Lovesong” by The Cure. The rendition is slower and darker, and while it isn’t the first time this sort of take on the song has been done before, MacLean brings something special to the table with it. It fits perfectly with the gloom and doom that MacLean embraces on this album.
The song also serves as a turning point in the album. After this song, rather than wallowing in her heartache, MacLean celebrates it instead. “Shattered” is, lyrically, still pretty dark, but sonically it is much more hopeful. This trend continues to the end of the album, with suffering being painted as a learning experience. An opportunity to grow.
After today, anyone will be able to use Deeper as their staple album to cry to. Or better yet, learn how to pick up the pieces, move on from heartbreak, and come out stronger on the other side. There’s certainly room for both. The official release will take place at The Trailside Music Cafe & Inn.