Music Thursday- Melanie Fiona's The Bridge

Melanie Fiona’s, The Bridge is probably not what you think it is. If you’ve heard Ms. Fiona’s breakout single, the sassy “Give It to Me Right”, or her current radio hit “It Kills Me”, you are probably expecting a very current R&B sound. Well, you’d be right, and wrong. While the aforementioned songs, along with a few Caribbean flavored ones, are very "now", a good deal of the CD is dedicated to a more old school 60’s and 70’s sound. And guess what? It works. “The Bridge” clearly aims to “bridge” (pun intended) old and new school sounds in a fresh new way. Tracks such as “Bang Bang”, a very 70’s Austin Powers-like fun and funky cut, and “Monday Morning”, a song that the Supremes would be proud of, make you want to break out your swing skirt. Fiona also gives a nod to the 60’s with the upbeat “Please Don’t Go (Cry Baby)”, and “You Stop My Heart,” a track really takes you back, and feels as though Fiona is singing live from the studio with full instrumentation. It is truly beautiful, vocally and musically. “Walk on By” pays tribute to classic sound, but keeps the its subject matter relevant to today’s audience with lyrics such as “I’m gone make it hell in your life….Fool me once, but you won’t fool me twice, Don’t say sssh, just walk on by.” In general, the CD’s 60’s references are very reminiscent of Raphael Saadiq’s latest work, or Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black. Admittedly, Fiona lacks the vocal heft of Ms. Winehouse, but does indeed do a fine job.

For those who prefer a more updated sound, you will love “Ay Yo”, a reggae tinged anthem that masterfully exemplifies Fiona’s Caribbean roots, and celebrates living life to the fullest. And of course, there is “It Kills Me”, a song that while a bit lyrically sparse, hits the right note. Its relatability, and Fiona’s raw emotion make it an undeniable winner.

The Bridge is a great debut CD from a promising young artist. While some may find the song selections to be a bit schizophrenic, they do work together to make a rather enjoyable CD, and one that you’d be glad to have in your collection.