Melissa Etheridge released Fearless Love her 10th album in 22 years on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. She also has a greatest hits and a Christmas album. This album has a softer and gentler mood to it than many of her previous releases. The sound is uniquely Etheridge and definitely rock ‘n roll.
Etheridge’s Brand of Rock ‘n Roll
The first of 12 tracks is titled the same as the album, Fearless Love, and it has the fiery, fierce sound of many of her previous hits such as Yes I Am, Come to My Window, or I’m the Only One.
Her voice is as strong today as it was on her first album in 1988. The lyrics sound heartfelt, personal, and characteristically Etheridge. Fearless Love, Etheridge croons, “I want a fearless love/I won’t settle for anything else.”
The third song, Company, the next singles release contender, offers more reflective lyrics: And the stillness of the night reminds me that I don’t like to be alone/All I want is company/Someone to understand this misery/What is truth and what is fear/All I want is company.
We Are the Ones would also make a great single. The last song, Gently We Row, Etheridge sings thoughts of her daughter: And when I found me/I wrapped my arms ‘round my own daughter/And she fell into her own place and time.
Etheridge’s Media and Concert Tours
Etheridge has made the media rounds this past week including appearing on Oprah, Dancing with the Stars, and is scheduled to appear on Ellen May 4th. Etheridge’s web site lists recent appearances on The History Channel, QVC, and Bravo.
Discussing her second highly public breakup with her recent wife, Etheridge told Oprah, “I don’t know why people say there are no gay marriages. I have two ex-wives.” Beyond that brief statement, she did not provide any real reasons for the breakup.
She has two children with her most recent partner, Tammy Etheridge, and two children with a previous partner. Etheridge also had a much-publicized battle with breast cancer six years ago.
Etheridge will be taking her show on the road starting in May in San Francisco. Her web site lists dates and locations through September.
Songs About Fear and Love
Etheridge tells site visitors she made this album from “the music she hears in her head and feels in her heart.” The songs are about “fear and love” and the “battle between the two.” Three of the song titles have the word love in them, Fearless Love, Only Love, and To Be Loved.
Regardless of the more contemplative, almost softer side to the music on this album, there is no denying that it is typical Etheridge with intense, passionate lyrics, sultry and seductive music, and a voice that is uniquely and undeniably Etheridge. Rock on.
