Houston-based crossover artist DeDe, a classically-trained singer, pianist, and flutist, years ago abandoned music for a marketing career because it made ‘more sense’. But the music came back to her, and only 4 years ago she started devoting herself to it fulltime. DeDe has since become an award-winning singer and songwriter. She has 4 albums to her credit, including her latest, released this month, entitled “DREAM of YOU”.
“I’m not afraid anymore,” says DeDe. “Not afraid to say the things that I feel need to be said, and to take a chance with my music. I’ve found my joy, my purpose, and my peace.” Her music is relevant, catchy, uncontaminated by corporate gimmickry, and simply a pleasure to listen to.
DREAM of YOU”, a very special album which tells the story of DeDe’s life, has already garnered 2 Song of the Year Awards for two of the album’s singles, including a 2015 IMEA Song of the Year for “Stronger”. DeDe has a very good voice which she uses to great effect again. She sings with a warmth and a twinkle in her eye much of the time, which has real skill beneath it. The band is excellent and the production is pitch-perfect; “Stronger” is never overdone and is set off with just the right overall sound.
There is an easy-going confidence wrapped in a sort of cool pop-country vibe, making “Stronger” go down like a cold, sepia-colored drink on a warm country day. The lyrics are filled with self-empowerment, life-lessons, and affirmation nuggets, as well as a nod to self-questioning. I was left feeling that I’d been listening to a song that was maybe sort of uplifting and beautiful instead of just plain cute and catchy.
DeDe has a very pretty soothing voice that is all her own and she writes like no other, largely sticking with her up-close and personal graphic descriptions of life. She has a lovely sense of balance between what is fated and what one can change in life. She is able to tackle difficult to discuss areas pointedly, but with a personal viewpoint of someone ‘who has been there’.
DeDe gives us down home honesty and truths of life. Combine those musings with strong musical instrumentation, and all-round this is a fantastic recording. I like DeDe’s music but even if I didn’t, I appreciate the recording quality. Minimal compression, great stereo image and no clippings!
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