As with all great musicians, there’s something in the voice that makes them stand out among the rest. A person’s voice speaks to the soul because it is relatable and universal in the emotions that it belts out. The lyrics might not be spectacular and the notes may not be composed elegantly, but the voice captures. Ida Maria definitely has the ability to capture.
Her first album, Fortress of My Heart, deals with various scenarios of love from the possibility of unreciprocated love to sexual love.
“Oh My God,†the first song on the album, fits with Fortress of My Heart’s sound and concept. However, it is the weakest song on the album, overall. Its repetitiveness does not ease new listeners in or create a sense of anticipation, nor does the song fit with the rest of her love stories.
Despite “Oh My God†not fitting in, the other songs such as “I Like Your So Much Better When You’re Naked,†“Morning Light,†“In The End†and “Drive Away My Heart†fit nicely together.
Ida’s old-time voice is slightly reminiscent of jazz and blues singers in its naked display of agony and frustration, especially heard towards the end of “Stella.â€
“In the End†also resembles previous classic singers, but the sound is more closely related to 1950s and ‘60s music than ‘30s and ‘40s jazz and blues. The song could have easily fit into classic Hollywood love stories such as Splendor in the Grass or Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This is due to the quiet, hopeful but heartbroken feeling resonating out in her voice.
As a writer from Paste says, “[she] sings every song like she’s on the verge of breaking into a million pieces.â€
It’s true. Her voice is heartbreakingly full of emotion. It is neither glossed over with new technical devices and futuristic sounds, nor does her voice become overshadowed by drums or heavy guitar like in the songs of many other popular artists.
Overall, Ida Maria will most likely not be heard across popular music stations. Her unconventional style, in comparison, will probably prosper in television and movie soundtracks as heard on Gossip Girl.
The only song that might take over the mainstream is “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked,†obviously due to its content and contemporary sound.
Though the album might not be a masterpiece, it definitely creates an opening for her career as a musician. While she continues to reach the depths of her new-found voice, Maria’s future progress will surely satisfy and may even turn the popular into the unconventional.