SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DEBORAH HOLLAND – I MADE IT THIS FAR

DEBORAH HOLLAND
I MADE IT THIS FAR

Deborah Holland has had an interesting career, thus far. She made her professional debut with the band Animal Logic, which included jazz great Stanly Clarke, and former member of The Police, Stewart Copeland, in 1987. Since then, she was a member of The Refugees and has released a number of brilliant solo albums. That tradition continues with her new album, I Made It This Far. Musically, the album is a combination of folk, Americana, pop, and singer-songwriter. She writes strong melodies that seem instantly familiar, but at the same time, she throws curve balls musically and lyrically.

The album seems very personal to Holland. From the opening “Thankful (Thanksgiving 2023)”, with the incredible opening line, “I made it this far, I didn’t die young/There’s a couple of people familiar with songs I have sung”. It is so personal and intimate, yet Holland handles the song with such warmth that it is also very embracing. It is a lovely song. The same can be said about the entire album. “Circling The Drain”, which she wrote and performs with Dan Navarro, is that perfect combination of a great melody and great lyrics.

Holland also wears her influences on her sleeve. “September (The Saddest Month Of The Year)” taps into Aimee Mann’s territory and is as charming and witty as anything Mann has written. Yet, the song is distinctly Holland. She creates her own sound and atmosphere with her instrumentation, playing, arranging, and vocals. “East Porpoise Bay” is a great song that illustrates how a day can go from good to bad to good again. It is a sweet song about life in general.

I Made It This Far is a well written and a well produced album. It gets better with each spin on the turntable, and it is an album of an artist who is comfortable enough to be open and honest with their listeners. I Made It This Far is highly recommended.

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