Morgan Bracy - The End Of Cinderella
2011, Morgan Bracy
2011, Morgan Bracy
Morgan Bracy grew up in a small townin Tennessee, singing in church and writing songs from a young age. It wasn’t until she left home for MiddleTennessee State University that Bracy truly bloomed as an artist, however. Working with the group Broken Pottery, Bracyfound her own voice as a songwriter. Shereleased her debut album, Dirty Laundry,in 2007, and was introduced to producer John Merchant (Barbra Streisand, TheBee Gees, Celine Dion). Merchant likedwhat he heard, and wanted to help Bracy find the full potential of hersound. The two began working on thealbum The End Of Cinderella, a songcycle centering on tales of fairy tales gone awry. It is in this emotional wellspring whereBracy shines brightest, portraying each story and character as if it weresomehow her own.
"The End Of Cinderella" isa coming of age song; a heartbreaking realization that real life is not afairytale. Bracy's performance here is fully committed, and here powerful,sometimes tinny voice (ala Susanna Hoffs or Jess Klein) is compelling."She Believes" is a middle of the road pop/country number aboutdomestic violence, and how the belief in fairytales can keep someone in a badrelationship. Bracy concocts a solid melody and a memorable chorus here, in asong with moderate commercial appeal. "Silence" decries someone whois absent even when he is there. It's a self-realization that things aren'tgoing to change, wrapped up in an edgy pop arrangement that gets your toestapping. Bracy's lyrics flow like water, and her voice punches the melody linewith conviction.
"The Looking Glass"examines self worth and insecurity in a powerful, musically dense ballad thatwalks the line between pop and country in style and sound. Bracy continues toshow vocal power, but also shows a subtlety of phrasing that contrasts wellwith her pure force as a singer. Bracy's interpretation of Randy Newman's"When She Loved Me" (from Toy Story #?) is lovely and lush, full ofstrings and a wonderful counter-melody in the piano part. Bracy ventures intofull soprano range at one point in the song, and it sounds, at first, if thingsmight fall apart, but she holds it together and turns in a nice performance."When The Spell Is Broken" has a more soulful feel, with Bracy'ssoulful alto getting more exposure. The verses are solid, but the chorus isvery memorable - the type you don't shake right away.
"Real Life Fairytale" is abuoyant little love song with distinct pop sensibilities. When Bracy singsabout the quiet ecstasy of falling in love, it's as if she's experiencing itall right in the moment. This is a brilliant tune. "Between TheCovers" is about the anticipation of what is to come in life and thetransformation from looking ahead to living in the moment. Bracy closes with"Love, Believe In Me" is a song of longing from one who sees love allaround here but hasn't found it herself. The simple, guitar-based arrangementis simple and lovely, playing the perfect complement to Bracy’s voice and tothat of her vocal counterpart.
The End Of Cinderella is the musical portrait of an artist who deserves much moreexposure than she's gained to date. Bracy's songwriting is compact andpolished, but full of heart. She performs each song as if the ideas andemotions within are occurring at that very moment. If Bracy carries this kind of presence to thestage, then concert goers will never want her shows to end. Morgan Bracy is thereal deal, and The End Of Cinderellais an essential album
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
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