The voice of Dark Passion Play/Imaginaerum era Nightwish has returned with her first solo album on Armoury Records in conjunction with Ear Music, Shine. Those who fell in love with the pop, bubble gum perfect, soothing caress of Anette Olzon’s vocal charm can rest assured its present throughout the 10 new tracks. A recording that showcases her unique range carrying elements of hope, fragility, melancholy and power with a young pop diva quality carrying the knowledge and experience of life lived. However, those expecting the symphonic broad-stroked bombast of her former band will be disappointed, as there are moments and traces of heavy guitar and lots of classical strings throughout but Shine is definitely a pop record.
Opener, Like a Show Inside My Head starts with orchestra meeting symphonic sounds, techno beats and pounding, blasting, echoing crescendos intertwined for a nice opening dramatic effect. Title track ‘shines’ with a message of personal empowerment with static accompanied opening bass lines, synth rhythms and industrial vibe. Floating, delivers an almost Eurythmic feel with a Victorian era masquerade ballroom romance from the keys and Celtic influences with tranquil lush haunting vocals. ABBA and Mediaeval Baebes would be proud. The uplifting single and video All of the Lies catchy chorus is cemented with heavy bass and guitars. Falling’s more dramatic, focused sound complements Moving Away’s acoustic guitars, mountain top tribal drums playing the patterns of moving on from personal pain and turmoil into spiritual renewal.
Olzon proves her voice alone can carry any song and not just the first 30 seconds of Invisible. There are musical struggles, triumphs and challenges on One Million Faces. Watching Me From Afar’s Celtic charm carries Irish elements as a majestic eye watches from a distance guarding with its gaze from a higher power or the love of a protective husband.
“I am so thrilled to finally release my first solo album,” comments Olzon. “I’ve been working on it for a long time. The album is very personal with songs I’ve been writing since 2009 but there are also very recent songs. The overall message of the album is that life can be really dark and filled with hardship and sadness, but you can always choose to see some light coming through, to make you stronger and full of life, making you shine… no matter what.”
Shine is a very different creature and that’s probably the point. She’s regrouped and moved forward with progression and success. Many songs could be carried on the rays of the sun waking the woods in the early morn. The forest would surely welcome her. www.anette-olzon.com
