Artist: Aliza Hava
Album: Into The Light
Released: 2025
Artist Website: https://www.alizahava.com/
Aliza Hava is a musical force to be reckoned with. Her graveled voice has the quality that emotes at the very first syllable. She has a considerable amount of power, but never over states it. There are many artists that have five of the six winning lottery numbers, artistically speaking, but Aliza clearly has the rare gift of all six. The music seems to flow through her like it did Stevie Ray Vaughan, channeling something bigger than a handful of chords and a catchy chorus. At first listen Bonnie Tyler and Kim Carnes came to mind in terms of the always appealing rasp. But Aliza puts her own unique and beautiful stamp on the time tested charm of a throaty vocalist. She is softer and more feminine in her delivery in many ways than the artists that would be an obvious comparison like Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks.
The album is a ten song set of soulful cuts that are clearly influenced by southern roots music. There is simply no filler on this release. Each song is well crafted with impeccable performances. The musicianship is top shelf, as is the production. The attention to detail is a master class in how to make a great record. It reminds me of The Wallflowers classic album Bringing Down The Horse in the sense of great songs that came together at the highest level with all the tones perfectly complementing one another.
The title track Into The Light comes in with a bouncy guitar and bass line that instantly grabs the ear, setting the pace for what is to come throughout the entirety of the album. The band creatively dances within the pocket while the vocal provides the salt that seasons it to perfection. Aliza Hava's delivery is relaxed but impressively strong at every turn. Truly a master of her craft.
To call Aliza a balladeer would be pigeonholing her into one aspect of her considerable talent. But The Last Goodbye is a shining example of her comfort within a piano driven ballad. Her voice is a perfect combination of power and subtlety. She moves through the dynamic changes with the best in the business, gliding gracefully from a whisper to a roar. This is a track that would make Adele turn and listen.
The cover of the White Lion classic When The Children Cry was a pleasant surprise. The vocal performance far surpasses the original, bringing what is a great song into the 21st century. The original, like most music, feels a bit dated almost 40 years later, but this take on it is evidence of how well written the piece is. The whole production is quite faithful to the original, minus the big 80's sounds. It's not often that an 80's power ballad can be revisited with conviction and taste. This updated version is an unexpected delight.
A standout track is Behind Your Eyes. Again the vocals are simply exceptional. The track is on the longer side at almost 6 minutes, but it certainly doesn't feel too long. It evolves naturally, inspiring even the most impatient listener to ride it out. The arrangement and production are an absolute grand slam. This is a track that would be right at home in a Disney movie as the epic centerpiece of the soundtrack.
This record is an exceptional effort from an artist that should be a measuring stick for singer/songwriters. Simply put, Aliza is a world class talent that needs to be heard. I would put her in the rare space of the musically blessed and grossly underrated Danielle Nicole. It lives in that space that is impossible to define as any one genre but takes the best from many. It's a wonderful gumbo of Seattle meets Austin at The Troubadour, making the listener ask the question... What is this artist doing in this club? A truly fantastic listen from start to finish!
Comments