Album Review
Spirituality has played a powerful part in the life and musical evolution of this Wisconsin native, who picked up honorable mentions in the 2004 Billboard World Songwriting Contest for four of this album's most compelling tracks. The singer/songwriter felt a musical calling after visiting a psychic in new age heavy Sedona, AZ; making a deal with God regarding winning a local song competition in 1999; and surviving the crippling effects of Ménière's disease to emerge with a message of hope. She achieves this on the irresistible clap-along opener, "One Hour a Day," which urges folks to pray and take the Virgin Mary seriously, and "Immunity: The Turnaround," which beautifully chronicles her return to health and sanity. "One Hour a Day" and the graceful acoustic ballad "Patiently" won honorable mentions in the pop category of the Billboard contest, while the brooding lament "Unfinished Business" won honors in the world music category. The Songwriters of Wisconsin International also bestowed awards on many of these. Hopefully, these types of accolades will continue in bigger and better ways as Alaria Taylor becomes a popular indie artist in the years to come. With a deep faith, a multitude of musical styles, and heartfelt lyrics drawn from tough life experience, Taylor will appeal to many listeners struggling to find voices for their own pain and survival.
