I first heard Madeleine Peyroux when her breakthrough album, Dreamland, was released 23 years ago. This album, Anthem, is her ninth, and it was released on the iconic Verve label last year. Here, Madeleine Peyroux collaborates with writers/musicians Brian MacLeod, Patrick Warren, and David Baerwald, who are also the rhythm section players on the album.
Dreamland was a remarkable debut album, and with it, she became an instant hit. As good as it was, Anthem takes her to a whole new level. The cover says the album speaks to the current state of the world mixed with Peyroux’s personal world. I think it may challenge some of her fans as it moves in and out of the type of jazz vocals that she is known for into much more contemporary music that she has not been known for in the past.
Oh, and by the way, if you aren’t familiar with Peyroux, she was born in Athens, GA but spent her teenage years on the streets in Paris where she developed her unique style. Her parents, whom she described as “eccentric educators” encouraged her to go into a career in music. As a child, she listened to her father’s old records and learned to play her mother’s ukulele.
About the Album
For years, other reviewers have compared her to Billie Holiday. However, this is the first album where I could hear this. On some cuts, her sound and phrasing have an uncanny likeness to Billie’s. On this album though, Peyroux is more daring in her willingness to express more than just one voice. All in all, she pulls off one beautiful album. It is also remarkably unique due to her incredibly phrasing ability.
It’s significant to note that this album was produced in the charged political atmosphere of the 2016 elections. While the album takes care not to be “too preachy” with her song lyrics, listeners can still get a glimpse into her personal world and the politics of the time.
As with all of her albums, the recording and pressing are first-rate, but here the music is the star. It is also available as a high-res download from several download services through her website here. There’s also a good YouTube video of Madeline singing a song from this album here. I was happy to add this album to my collection, and I think you will be too!
