Deborah Holland – Unadorned
This is a spare set of songs featuring either a piano, or guitar with the spirited voice of singer-songwriter Deborah Holland. Despite the folky overtones the Philadelphia native has a commanding tone, & each track has a strong sense of freshness. There are no commercial elements bogging down these compositions with cliches & repetitive words. The lack of a band for support doesn’t prevent Ms. Holland from raising the temperature with her range. “Your Safe Haven” is serene with the confines of its melodic balladry.
The showcase isn’t tepid; it explores climate change, the state of the world, personal connections & disconnections. There are 11 tracks to Unadorned (Dropped August 7/Independent) & available only in digital form. A continuing member of Animal Logic with Stewart Copeland & Stanley Clarke, Ms. Holland still performs as part of the excellent trio The Refugees (Wendy Waldman & Cydny Bullens).
Her “Walking the Dog In the Rain” has a Randy Newman-type lyrical humor while “Over You” has mainstream appeal. Written in the tradition of Tin Pan Alley, if not the Brill Building writers (Carole King & Gerry Goffin). Each tune despite its slenderness of musicians is propelled by Deborah’s fine voice & the quality of the contemporary material. The songs aren’t heavily lyrical as a Joni Mitchell piece, Ferron or Laura Nyro, but there is an engrossing edge that nuzzles her creativity (“Judas In a Dress”). This glistens. Deborah’s clever, artier & absorbing in melodies & performances like this. Far above average mainstream tunes. One of the best songs on this album.
The world has always been disconnected. The reason it’s more obvious today is social media, mainstream media, a lack of personal research, & a rush to judgement. A song like “These Ordinary Days” acts more like a healing song than confrontational. Deborah adds the necessary sincerity & reassures that — it’s good to be alive.
Recording an album is not an easy chore. There must be something viable to say over 10 songs & try not to repeat yourself. The majority of tunes on this album are significantly different & inspiring. The only minor criticism is that certain lyrics as sung are a little too hard in the phrasing. A mild fix. A rockier number “Over the Line” gives Deborah room to spread out with a raunchier, aggressive tone & proves she has a viable rock voice. There are some disguised message songs on the set, but Ms. Holland handles it with diplomacy & vinegar. The jazzier “Can You Tell Me,” is not in Ms. Holland’s wheelhouse but it’s a nice effort. Better in the hands of Rickie Lee Jones.
A good, satisfying album for anyone who’s an aspiring songwriter.
Highlights – “Your Safe Haven,” “Walking the Dog In the Rain,” “Over You,” “Judas In a Dress,” “These Ordinary Days” & “Over the Line.”
Color image courtesy of Deborah’s website & Bandcamp. CD @ Bandcamp & Apple + https://deborahholland.com/
Previous Review: https://americanahighways.org/2025/03/03/review-deborah-holland-i-made-it-this-far/