IN QUEUE MUSIC REVIEW
February 17, 2023
She’s opened for Harry Styles at Madison Square Garden, been a Grammy nominated artist twice, and just released her sophomore album titled Revealer. Madison Cunningham’s combination of folk-rock and jazzy chord changes in tandem with her descriptive lyricism makes Revealer a must listen record of this year.
Released on Sept. 9 2022, the album reveals Cunningham’s impressive vocals, along with her introspective songwriting, often reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley style songs. The album opens with “All I’ve Ever Known” in which Cunningham pays homage to the past. She describes all that’s familiar while also questioning how to move forward. She sings a statement relatable to many: “I’m a child to a wonder, but a victim to the change.”
Out of 11 tracks, Revealer shows Cunningham’s versatility as an artist, as well as a songwriter. She’s partial to quirky lines and creative imagery, often picking out the details of life people tend to miss. “Sunshine Over The Counter” is filled with clever wordplay with deep meaning. The song is fun and upbeat, and melodically sounds like it could be from Harry Styles’ Fine Line.
In contrast, “Life According To Raechel” boasts quieter instrumentation, allowing Cunningham’s voice and lyrics to be the main focus. The song, an emotional tribute to her late grandmother, is a peaceful collection of memories and the questions of what was. She details the mystery of losing a loved one in the questions, “Were your eyes green, were they blue? / What was it that I forgot to ask you?”
Madison Cunningham has been able to combine indie rock and neo-jazz influences to create a record that has a song in it for everyone, no matter what you’re feeling. She’s sure to impress as a songwriter, vocalist, and skilled guitarist.
