Lights On: Alive by Monika Ryan
From the moment the first note of Monika Ryan’s Alive graces your ears, it feels like being invited into a warm embrace. This album is a testament to the beauty of living fully and mindfully. Collaborating with a talented group of musicians, including the rhythmic flair of Sergio Pereira on guitar and the soulful touches of Keith Loftis on saxophone, Ryan crafts an auditory tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive.
Recorded across various locations—from the shores of Valencia, Spain, to the bustling energy of New York City—Alive breathes with a global heartbeat. The album’s diverse soundscapes draw from jazz, soul, and hints of Latin rhythms, painting scenes that invite you to let go and simply be. Each track is like a chapter in a novel, with Ryan’s voice guiding you through stories of love, joy, and the profound simplicity of everyday life.
Opening with “Every Day,” Ryan sets the tone with a gentle reminder to embrace the present. Her lyrics weave through the melodies like sunlight through leaves, offering a soothing balm against the noise of the world. The album’s title track, “Alive,” is a jubilant proclamation of love’s power to invigorate, each note pulsing with the heartbeat of newfound affection. You can almost see the sparkle in her eyes as she sings, “I’m so alive when I’m with you,” a sentiment that resonates universally.
“Can You Slip Away” with it’s bossa feel, stands out with its invitation to leave behind the mundane and escape to the serenity of nature. It’s a gentle persuasion, coaxing the listener to remember the joy of simply being. Meanwhile, “You Draw Me In” is a lush exploration of connection, Ryan’s vocals dancing elegantly around the gentle strums of Pereira’s guitar, the subtle Saxophone and de catchy double-bass. The track is a reminder of how love and human connection can be both grounding and liberating.
Ryan’s philosophical influences shine brightly throughout the album. Her nod to Stoic philosophy, particularly the presence of Seneca, brings a thoughtful depth to her work. The lyrics are reflective, often meditative, yet never losing the playfulness that makes the album feel like a joyous celebration. Tracks like “Beauty All Around” with her majestic vocal’s intro capture this duality perfectly, acknowledging life’s imperfections while finding beauty in every moment.
The production, spearheaded by Ryan alongside Denise Barbarita and Sergio Pereira, is masterful in its subtlety. It allows Ryan’s voice to take center stage, with each instrument carefully positioned to support rather than overwhelm. The result is an album that feels alive—vibrant and breathing, much like the world it seeks to celebrate.
Alive is a call to action to embrace every twist and turn that life offers. It’s a reminder that, amidst the chaos, there is profound beauty and joy to be found. With each listen, Ryan’s message becomes clearer: life is happening now, and it’s up to us to live it fully.
