| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Track Structure | 9 |
| Interest | 7 |
| Melody | 8 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Lyrics | 9 |
| Enjoyment | 8 |
| Recording Quality | 9 |
| Commercial Appeal | 8 |
| Overall | 8.3 |
I have chosen to review Reality Come True, by Mary Gottschalk. Mary is a Canadien talent. From a young age, Mary seems to have had an artistic flare about her. As she is the middle child of seven, it is not surprising. I have often heard them referred to as the 'ignored' child. Not surprising she found a comfort in the music. A friend of Mary's introduced her to a small production, where Mary's strong sense of musical composition would stand out. Since, Mary has assisted others with writing and vocals in the studios. She has two 1st place trophies in singing competitions held in beautiful Toronto under her belt as well. Currently under RBA Records, Mary will soon be releasing a CD of her music.
Reality Come True is a pop/rock song with radio sensibility and production. The music and Mary's unique voice are a true compliment to each other. I found myself imagining a blending of The Pretenders(Brass in Pocket), Heart(What about love), The Motels(Only the Lonely), and Cher(Turn Back Time). If you could mix these 4 together, there's a good chance Mary singing Reality Come True would be the result. The main subject of this song is a secret crush. It approaches you from a uniquely feminine point of view. Mary gives a lyrical insight to the inner feelings of a woman. Afraid to let a special guy know how she feels. Perhaps in the past, someone who had received her complete trust and love, let her down. An emotional wall has been built around her heart. Mary describes the butterflies inside when near him, and the overwhelming fear of letting him in on her secret. You can really sense her passion for this man. The verses are very subdued in delivery. Mary harmonizes perfectly for emphasis, but, never overwhelming the listener. She also has a gift for blending in background vocals. This is a most impressive talent, one of which I find impossible to accomplish myself without sounding like a 'poor mans' Roger Waters wanna-be. A true trick of her studio time and knowledge. The chorus really emphasizes the range Mary possesses. Her voice is almost instrumental in the background. The chorus is powerful, without losing the pop edge this song creates. The bridge really sets the rock drive to the song. Lyrically, the bridge gives us a real glimpse of the sexuality burdened beneath her hidden desire. It takes the tone from the feelings of a girl, to the passion of a woman. "Lips are burning, sky is red..Waters still, thunders ahead..embracing your warmth, I surrender to you" This bridge, lyrically and musically are the back-bone to an already great pop/rock song.
On the production side, Reality Come True is top notch. The vocals are superb, all instruments sound great. It's has a undeniable pop mix. I am not a professed production specialist, and could not distinguish any 'out of place' sounds. On the lyrical end, I would like to make one special comment. Mary accomplishes a very neat feat. She is able to use the title of the song in the verses, in the chorus, and in the bridge. All coming at the end of the forementioned parts. I have written AAA (verse, verse, verse) songs, with the title at the end of all verses, an easy and uncreative use, but common. I have tried to think of other songs producing Mary's combination unsuccessfully. I find this to be a remarkable lyrical composition maneuver. To make this work in a poem would be possible. To make it work in a song, flawlessly, without sounding repetitive, is impressive. Having listened to Mary's other songs on mp3unsigned.com, I had felt her to be talented in the pop/adult contemporary market. This song really sets an edge I am more attracted to. Although, her other songs have a severe Joan Baez-esque appeal to them ( of whom I am a huge fan ), this one really takes it up a notch in the intensity department. I listen non-stop to any song I review. The more you listen to this song, the more you will find yourself appreciating Mary's vocal abilities. All the subtle background vocals standing out. In the same way a Pink Floyd album allows you to hear more and more of the hidden material in the backgroud. Hopefully people understand what I mean by that reference, it's quite hard to describe. I personally think this song has serious pop capabilities. And for me, it gave me quite a reference into the mind of a woman. Her desires, her fears, and her passions. I thank Mary for her candidness in her lyrics. I must say, it's way beyond my shallow, "Damn she's hot" mentality. I hope you really give this one a listen. Mary has created a very nice, well written and composed song.
To listen to the track Click Here