Album Review: Melissa Etheridge, Fearless Love

Before all her relationship drama completely hit the fan, Melissa Etheridge released her tenth studio album Fearless Love. Just prior to its release was her announcement of her separation from long-time partner Tammy Lynn Michaels and it almost seems like the album has gotten lost in the shuffle amidst the her romantic troubles. But, for those who have forgotten just what brought Etheridge to the dance, Fearless Love is for you. The project is back-to-basics fare for the rocker as loud guitars and drums and her trademark raspy vocals reign supreme.

The project kicks off with the stellar title track, the debut single from the album, where Etheridge fearlessly declares her strength as she travels through the turbulent waters of love. (Check out the "Fearless Love" music video here.) A seemingly Coldplay inspired piano drives the opening notes of “The Wanting of You,” while “Company” chills things out a notch as Etheridge addresses the frustrating pangs of loneliness.  Always one to fiercely defend issues close to her heart, Etheridge takes California to task for the state’s Proposition 8 amendment complete with a rock-star scream at the beginning. Etheridge gets reflective on “Indiana,” the story of a girl who has big dreams. The song begins softly but proceeds to pick up the pace as the tale progresses. Meanwhile, on “Nervous,” the rocker explores the world of blues with a rocking edge.

The country-rock flavored “Heaven on Earth” kicks off the ballad-heavy, vocal-driven latter half of Fearless Love. “We Are the Ones” stands out among the 12 tracks on the album as the tabula, a popular instrument in India, is used throughout the song giving it a more worldly sound which is appropriate due to its unifying message of changing the world for the better. The theme of love is revisited on the similar sounding back-to-back tracks of “Only Love” and “To Be Loved.” Fearless Love is brought to a close with the tender “Gently We Row,” a look at the relationship between mothers and daughters.

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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