When one talks about “Various Artists,” it usually connotes a synthesis of different skill sets coming together to produce something truly unique. “For Rena” is an album that showcases a diverse group of skilled musicians and artists, each contributing their distinct style and nuance to the production. Award-winning producer and re-recording mixer Justin Matley assembled this compilation, which includes songs by some of the most well-known and Grammy-winning performers in the business.
Justin Matley: The visionary behind “For Rena,” Matley has a storied career marked by his work with major names in the music industry. Matley’s work has always stood out for its quality and impact. He is well-known for his painstaking attention to detail and his ability to weave emotional storylines via sound. Co-mixing the album is double Grammy winner Nic Hard, who is well-known for his work with Snarky Puppy, Becca Stevens, Bokanté, and The Bravery. Because of his ability to give recordings more depth and clarity, he is a highly sought-after talent in the music industry.
Randy Merrill is the mastermind behind the album’s mastering. He has worked with Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and Foo Fighters. His mastery guarantees that every song on “For Rena” touches the listener in a meaningful way. Everett Bradley: The CD benefits from the soulful and emotionally poignant contributions of this Grammy-nominated performer. His versatility is demonstrated by his past partnerships with Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.
The album gains a calm and dreamy character from Michelle Willis’s angelic voice. Willis is well-known for her collaborations with Michael McDonald, David Crosby, and the Zac Brown Band. Joshua Dion: Dion, a multi-talented musician whose credentials include work with Spin Doctors and Chris Thile, brings a vibrant and captivating touch to the production. Jerry Jean: With a background that includes collaborations with Florence + The Machine and Boyz II Men, Jean’s musical expertise brings a sophisticated and polished touch to the album. Tall Heights and Hannah Napier Rosenberg: Tall Heights’ harmonies and Rosenberg’s poignant poetry interweave to create moments of deep reflection and emotional resonance within the album.
On June 27th, 2024, the music world witnessed the release of a profoundly moving compilation album, “For Rena” by Various Artists. This masterwork is more than just a collection of songs, thanks to the vision of award-winning producer and re-recording mixer Justin Matley. For individuals traversing the choppy waters of grief and loss, it is an emotional journey, a sincere homage, and a ray of hope. The recent loss of Matley’s young niece Rena served as inspiration for this album, which he created with grace and tenderness, providing comfort and a sense of stability in the face of anguish.
“For Rena” features nine evocative tracks, each one a testament to the collaborative genius of Grammy-winning artists and prolific sidemen and women from around the world. Co-mixed by the renowned Nic Hard and mastered by the illustrious Randy Merrill, the album is a blend of various genres, all unified by the central theme of healing and moving forward. This album, hailed as “deeply moving” and “beautiful,” serves not only as a tribute to a tender young soul but also as a musical companion for anyone who has experienced the depths of loss.
For Rena Album Track List:
Ave Maria:
Nothing short of amazing can be found in the song “Ave Maria” from the Various Artists album “For Rena,” which features Justin Matley and Everett Bradley. I was instantly taken to a celestial realm by the piano’s melodious atmosphere and the guitar’s heavenly strings. These instruments melded together to create a somber yet spiritually rich ambiance that inspired a sense of transcendence and tranquility. I couldn’t resist becoming caught in the song’s ethereal beauty because of its opening chords, which set the tone for the entire composition.
The moment Everett Bradley’s voice rose over the shadows, I was enthralled. It felt like a mystical experience because of the elegance and essence with which his vocals—which were evocative of celestial whispers—carried the lyrics. A strong sense of spirituality and devotion permeated the song as the lyrics “hail Mary, full of grace” and “hail the lord, he is with thee” struck a deep chord. Bradley’s gentle and comforting voice gave the lyrics life, evoking a serene and spiritual atmosphere that appeared to speak to the spirit. His voice and the orchestral background blended so well that it was simply amazing.
As the song progressed, it continued to evolve divinely. The guitar strings seemed to move with a life of their own, while the piano melodies glided graciously through the composition. The interplay between these elements was both elegant and glorious, creating a symphony of sound that was ethereal and beautiful. The intensity towards the end, brought by the heightened vitality of the piano melodies, added another layer of depth and emotion to the piece. Bradley’s delivery of the lyrics remained astounding throughout, leaving me with a feeling of lightness and grace. “Ave Maria” is a song that I could listen to all day, as it truly lightens the spirit and fills one with the essence of life and grace.
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud:
From Various Artists’ album “For Rena,” the song “I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud” transports listeners to a beautiful, peaceful world of melody. This song, which features Michelle Willis’s heavenly vocals, instantly engulfed me in its tranquil atmosphere. The entrancing guitar strings that begin the song, each note played with elegance and beauty, provide a calming atmosphere for the rest of the song. These guitar strings form the core instrumental base, delivering a celestial tranquility that perfectly complements Willis’s exquisite voice.
At the 0:08 timestamp, Michelle Willis’s voice enters with such grace and elegance that it feels like a gentle embrace. Her vocals have a soothing effect, as if singing directly to my soul, reminiscent of a thousand angels. She navigates the soft instrumental backdrop with perfection, imbuing the lyrics with finesse and depth. As the song progresses, its slow tempo and consistent flow create a laidback and cozy feel, one that is tranquil and serene. This song’s simplicity is its strength, as it allows the listener to be carried away by its gentle waves, almost to the point of forgetting all worries.
The intermittent double-tracking of Willis’s voice throughout the song is one of its most notable elements; it gives the music a richer, deeper, and warmer texture. The music feels even more grand in its simplicity thanks to this technique, which also improves the whole experience. The song’s dreamy aspect is further enhanced by the occasional highlights of the piano’s gentle melodies, which give an exotic vibe. I’m left feeling both addicted and out of breath by the captivating vocal harmonies that were produced. The song “I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud” is a testament to the calming influence of music, and I may listen to it often for a moment of contemplation and solace.
Bubbles:
The song “Bubbles” from the album “For Rena” by Various Artists is an instrumental masterpiece that left me completely entranced. Featuring the exceptional talents of Khylie Rylo and Rena Shebesta, this track is a unique blend of cultural and modernized elements that takes control of your body and mind in the most delightful way. The opening with rhythmic hand claps sets a midtempo pace that immediately drew me in, creating an infectious groove right from the start. At the 0:11 timestamp, the introduction of a unique synth sound, which felt soggy and watery, combined perfectly with the hand claps, adding an intriguing layer to the soundscape. The addition of synth-piano melodies shortly thereafter brought a glorious magnificence to the track.
As the song progressed, the bass sounds at the 0:32 timestamp added a thick texture that enhanced the overall groove, making the track feel progressively evolving and deeply engaging. Just when I thought the song had reached its peak, a culture-infused drum beat entered at the 0:53 timestamp, bringing an ancient, folkloric feel that elevated the track even further. The magic didn’t stop there; at the 1:14 timestamp, the true essence of the bass was unveiled, adding a majestic deep and heavy texture that was complemented by the ethereal quality of the piano melodies. This combination created a soundscape that was both groovy and laid-back, slowly taking over my body and mind with its exquisite beauty, perfect tempo, and ecstatic rhythm.
The conclusion of the track at the 1:47 timestamp, with the marvelous piano melodies, was the perfect way to end this piece of art. Every element in “Bubbles” stands out, from the instrumentation to the interplay between the various sounds. This track is a true wonder of sound, and its elegance and infectious groove are undeniable. I could listen to this song again and again and always find new aspects to enjoy and appreciate its complex beauty. You won’t regret listening to “Bubbles”; it’s a song you shouldn’t miss.
Night Owl:
“Night Owl” from the album “For Rena” by Various Artists is a profoundly emotive work of art. Featuring the masterful collaboration of Paul Robert Wright and Timothy Paul Harrington, this song transcends the ordinary with its blend of mellow sounds, exquisite vocals, and beautiful lyricism. From the moment the song begins, I was immediately drawn in by the ethereal vocal melody, which is mellow, soft, and truly calming. The delicate guitar strings that accompany this opening add to the celestial quality, creating a touching and soul-piercing introduction that is both calm and soothing. The subtle inclusion of a viola-like sound enhances the track’s celestial and emphatic nature, making it even more blissful.
At the 0:13 timestamp, the singing begins with exquisitely soft vocals that carry the song’s lyrics with care and grace. The slow tempo and cozy soundscape provide a tranquil feel and a calming aura, with a sound that progresses and moves consistently. The interplay of vocals during the choruses is particularly ethereal, with each voice adding a richer and fuller feel to the song. The multiple vocals bring a soothing effect, doubling the emotional impact and depth of the song. Throughout the track, the guitar strings deliver a steady flow of beautiful and exquisite sound, while the viola-like sounds appear and disappear at intervals, highlighting moments of heightened emotional intensity.
The harmonies created by Wright and Harrington’s vocals are simply breathtaking. Their voices together form sweet melodies that are transcendent, beautiful, and blissful. The emotional depth and the serene quality of their harmonies make this song a standout piece. “Night Owl” is genuinely excellent all around. You won’t be able to stop listening to this song—it will captivate your heart and thoughts. A captivating musical experience that is both calming and profoundly emotional is produced by the combination of delicate, mellow voices, sophisticated guitar work, and sporadic viola-like highlights.
“For Rena” is an album that goes beyond mere music; it is a heartfelt tribute to those we have lost and a guide for those left behind. A very touching and exquisite collection of songs is the product of Justin Matley’s personal connection to the project and the extraordinary talent of the other artists. The album is an priceless instrument for anyone walking the challenging path of loss because each tune is expertly composed to provide comfort and support. I highly recommend “For Rena” to anyone seeking comfort and understanding in their time of loss. This album is not just a listening experience; it is a journey towards healing.
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