- Bryon Harris
Natalie Jean - 'We Rise'
Review by Patrick Joseph & Staff
“We Rise” rolls along like a freight train. Insistent acoustic fingerpicking and a thumping downbeat kick drum set the stage for a powerful and emotional musical statement. Jean’s vocals contain immense strength, yet they are packaged in a delicate delivery that feels effortless. This song lures listeners in with its hypnotic, steady rhythm. Melodies and ornamentations glide in and out of the song, giving fresh breath to the ever-present rhythmic structure.
Lyrically, “We Rise” is masterful. This song contains poetry as well as raw truths in the form of courageous sentiment. The song’s mission statement “We Rise” feels like a mantra, giving the song a strength and character when repeated again and again. “We get knocked down, we rise.” These lyrics highlight triumphs of the past while looking forward to a brighter future. “We demanded the right to vote, Wouldn’t rest until you took note, We had the right to be heard, We definitely had the final word.”
“We Rise” has a distinct combination of elements that make it greater than the sum of its parts. Lyrics, vocal delivery, and instrumental arrangement are all commendable, but somehow the overall picture of the song rises up and overshadows all of those induvial elements.
Songwriting at its finest, this is one that will get into the cracks of your brain and hit you on multiple levels. There is beauty in every angle of this song. “We Rise” does justice to its message while inspiring and captivating listeners. This song is another winner from Natalie Jean.
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For more information on Natalie Jean, please visit her website.
About Natalie Jean
Natalie Jean is an award winning, multi-nominated singer/songwriter performer. She is also a Voting Member in the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS). Natalie Jean is a versatile performer and singer. She sings and writes for many genres , such as Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues, World, Rock, Country, Americana, Inspirational, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, and, Dance. She can also sing in French, Spanish, English, and Haitian Creole.
Natalie Jean is mostly influenced by artists such as Lena Horne, Celine Dion, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald. She has performed at many venues in the MD/DC. She also has performed in LA, New York ,Nashville, and North Carolina. She also appeared on WPFW, a Jazz station in Washington DC, and many other stations around the world. She has been nominated over 100 times for her music and has won many awards. She has released six albums, Obsession, Natalie Jean, Lecons D'Amour, Unafraid, Haiti Mwen Renmenw, and Where Do We Go From Here?. She has also released several singles.