Madison Ryann Ward Releases Her Debut Album Posted June 13, 2023 By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Madison Ryann Ward is a singer who has been buzzing around the Christian, CHH, and R&B industries for several years. This talented artist was an outside hitter with the Oklahoma Sooners volleyball team from 2012 to 2016. (How many artists can say they played D-1? Not many.)
Madison has been singing since she was a child and gained the attention of producer Rick Rubin and toured with NEEDTOBREATHE. Although she has released mainstream music, Madison's faith has always shined through, never singing songs that would compromise who she is. After dropping several singles, an EP titled Beyond Me, and guesting on other artists' songs, Madison dropped a full-length album, A New Thing.
What it Sounds Like
Madison stays in her R&B genre throughout the album, which works well with her rich tone. "Green" is a smooth, hip-hop-edged song that speaks of the beauty of love. Benji adds a few bars on the slow banger, "Prodigal," where Madison sings of the loving arms of God welcoming her back when she falls away. "Even if I run away/I fall away/You will prepare a place for me/Waiting on my full return to Thee/Kiss away my brokenness/Cure me from this hopeless heart I've known/You are the Lover of my soul/I'm coming home."
"You Love Me So" has the old Aliyah/Timberland feel with the breakbeat and Madison's signature buttery vocals. A Madison Ryann Ward/Ty Brasel collaboration is found in "Unknown," and it's just what we needed. Both sing in the same register on this summer anthem.
Spiritual Highlights
There are several highlights that will touch people and help them in their walk. "Seasons" is a beautiful ballad showing people that you never stay in the same state forever. When people are engulfed in battles, it can be hard to realize there is an end.
On "The Same," Madison lets her guard down as she lets us in on what could be a personal journal. She sings about God dealing with the intricacies of life that are too tough to deal with. "You can see that I am hurting/You can see that I'm afraid/Help me walk away from the things I cannot change/And know that You still love me just the same."
Best Song
I picked two songs. (Yes, I am being one of "those people" who did not follow instructions.) "I Know" is one of them, a stripped-down acoustic ballad of the assurance that God will be with Madison through any "road" in her life.
I love the edginess of "Wanda," which shows the sassy side of Madison. She is confident, shaking off sadness, and ready to take on the world. The pulsating beat compliments the lyrics, "Wanna feel good with a big G/These foolish folk can't hold me/I love my fit, it's so me/That Zelda House my clothing (yeah)/Big ballin' like the pro team/My shot look clean like soapy/Your shot look broke and so weak/Like the old me (oh)."
Final Word A New Thing is a solid album from Madison Ryann Ward. This is an artist who just has "that" sound. Her rich tone and the chill personality to go with it will serve her well. Even after having success and recognition with major players in mainstream music, Madison remains rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. A New Thing is an album that I hope takes off even more. People need to hear it.
