Mardi Wilson came on my radar last April, with the release of “Runaway.” I’ve covered numerous singles since then, so I was thrilled to dive deep into her album, Get Lost. What I found was a collection of songs that were personal, yet so relatable from one of the country’s most promising singer-songwriters.
The songs capture moments in time, relationships that might have been fleeting, but they leave an impression nonetheless. We feel the dedication in the opening track “Give You My Time,” the poignant sadness in “Missing Me.” The upbeat groove of “Don’t Stop” helps balance the darkness of “Don’t Stop,” which so eloquently speaks of watching a loved one navigate addiction. In “Blinded By You,” Mardi captures the hazy, heady moments when attraction sparks. We see it develop into something more substantial in “Runaway,” which almost feels like a companion piece for the track that came before. “Nice Ones” is another of those happy-sad tracks, with biting lyrics paired with a rousing clap-along chorus. “Part Time Lover” is equally scathing. Mardi might sound like a sweet folk artist, but her words can wound when she wants them to.
While songs about relationships dominate this album, Mardi’s own voice shines through every track. So it’s only fitting that the final song and title track, “Get Lost” focuses on the self. It’s got a quiet strength, with Mardi’s gorgeous vocals joining acoustic guitar strums and percussion. What a powerful final statement this song provides.
Whether she’s singing about love, lust, or owning her own power, the thread of honesty runs through these songs. That starts with the lyrics, which are brave and raw, but there’s also an earthy, organic quality about these tracks that is so appealing. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of studio trickery here. Instead, you get the sense that the recordings capture jam sessions.
I’ve had Get Lost on repeat since it hit my inbox in mid-April and I think I fall a little more in love with each listen. Mardi’s voice has a warmth that draws you in, but stay with these songs a little longer and you’ll fall in love with the stories she tells and the characters in them. You’ll also find yourself humming those catchy melodies. Get Lost is available now.
Images used with permission from Footstomp Music