Molly Parden: Rosemary
It may feel strange to describe an album as “dreamy,” especially when it encompasses a range of emotions, to include heartbreak and loss, but here we are. Molly Parden’s newest album, Rosemary, the biggest collection of songs she’s released since her first album, Time is Medicine from 2011, was released November 13th. At times it’s a struggle to decide what’s the real shining star in this release. Is it Molly’s raw, vulnerable and honest lyrics about situations that almost any one of us can identify with? Or is it her ethereal and hypnotizing voice, drawing the listener in and keeping them there, suspended, until the album ends? Luckily, we don’t have to make a choice between the two and can instead appreciate the fact that someone who didn’t come from a musical family, somehow found herself making music, moving to Nashville in 2013 and then traveling the world as a bassist, guitarist and singer for names such as Sam Outlaw and David Ramirez.
Although she has over half a million followers on Spotify, it seems like Molly somehow has flown under the radar, at least in my world. First introduced to her music pre-pandemic, I had the chance to see Molly live at my local dive bar and was instantly a fan. I was hooked by her last album made up of covers, and it’s no surprise that her original music is even more beguiling. “I Know You Can,” is quite possibly the most vulnerable and heartache inducing track on the album. Molly had this to say about the track, “This song depicts the crippling heartache that I felt following the ending of a relationship that I thought would last the test of time. These were moments of bittersweet tenderness as I tried to let go of everything. I couldn’t listen to this song without crying for months.” Her sentiment comes across deeply clear in the pleading chorus: “I know you’re strong enough to be my man. You may think you can’t. But I know you can.” The entire song contains lyrics that cut deep for anyone who has ever gone through losing the love of someone you thought would be around for the long haul. “I know everything happens for a reason, I just can’t see it yet” are words that I know I’ve spoken many times in my own life. It’s always reassuring somehow that you can find your own shared experiences, feelings and thoughts within the art of another human being.
For eternal summer vibes with a hint of horns, check out the song, “Who Are We Kiddin’.” In spite of the, “I miss you” message, it feels upbeat and hopeful with an intro straight out of your favorite poolside playlist.
“You are the man I see when I look into my dreams / I’ve got to find a way to make it a reality / Every time I hear you call, there’s nothing else I need.
The track, “Within a Dream'' has all the trappings of a lullaby: the quiet and melodic intro, the delicate acoustic guitar leading into the swells of string instruments, but with notes of sadness when you realize the lyrics are simply a quiet refrain and variants of “Baby, come back to me.” It’s simple in its nature, but beautifully so; quiet and delicate throughout, but strong in it’s message. I miss you, I’m lonely, I want you here with me.
Molly has done what she does best on this EP, taken her feelings, thoughts and experiences, sad, confused and even hopeful, and made them into an album that others can listen to, identify with and cry along to when you need that song that hits you just right and gives you the feels that you didn’t even know you needed. Whether it’s missing someone more than you should, dealing with a recent break-up, or remembering that person that you thought was the one, this album captures those feelings so beautifully, in its quiet way. Molly’s lyrics and voice, coupled with the musical arrangements that compliment them both perfectly, are truly what make this album a standout. You can find Rosemary on your favorite streaming sites or Molly’s Bandcamp.
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