Nardia drops an instant classic with "Own Every Scar"
There is a term that I use to describe albums like Nardia’s “Own Every Scar” – target rich environment. Whatever song the listener drops the needle on – or clicks the courser on – is going to be a good tune. There is no filler on “Own Every Scar.”
Nardia, the Australian born L.A. based singer, has treated us to three songs between prior to 10 track project’s Sept. 18 release. Each song is good and each offers something a little different. “Is It You” is a dreamy ballad that fuses soul and blues that finds Nardia expressing her hope that her dream man answers her reality and becomes her man.
“Hold On” is an anthem that finds Nardia encouraging someone to fight through their doubts and press toward their dreams. “Thinking” is a seductively fun and funky number that tells the story of two people drawn by an attraction that’s strong. However, one wakes up in the morning wondering if the feeling is mutual.
The songs that fans will discover when they play “Own Every Scar” are equally compelling. I have a soft spot for musical storytelling and Nardia more than satisfied with “Thank You 4 Nothing.” The cut, which fuses a funky bass line and a jazzy swing, takes the form of a mid-tempo letter to an ex that drips with sarcasm and bitter irony as Nardia talks about the hard lessons learned at the hands of a selfish and unfaithful lover. She wants him to know that instead of breaking her, the experience made her stronger.
Nardia remains in that defiantly strong mode on another track that swings hard on the one – “Feeling Good.” Her Nardia sings over jazz inspired guitar licks and tight horn orchestration as she declares her determination to overcome every slight or insult thrown her way.
The bluesy title track serves as Nardia’s artistic and spiritual statement. The tune is funky and brassy testament to persevering, resiliency and growth. As Nardia puts it, “At the heart of both the song and album is a simple message: our scars are not something to hide. They are part of our story, representing what we’ve survived, how we’ve grown and the strength it took to keep going.”
Other notable tracks include “Witchhunter,” the ballads “There You Were,” and “Sweet Love.” Nardia did not miss on “Own Every Scar.” Here’s some advice: own this album.
By Howard Dukes