Meghan Shanley - READY FOR LOVE

Meghan Shanley

Ready For Love
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Ready For Love by Meghan Shanley was a bit of a surprise. The combination of the album cover and title had me thinking I was in for a 2014 style pop album. What I got was a style that had more in common with Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, Jane Monheit, and Marilyn Maye than that of Katy Perry.

Shanley was born in Virginia and always had a deep love for music which led her Nashville. It wasn’t long before she was opening shows for national acts and performing at world renowned concert venues. Along the way she began to find the musical genres that she wanted to explore and that result would be Ready For Love.

Ready For Love definitely has a Nashville sound and I’m not talking about the style. The  production on Ready For Love is of a certain breed that tends to come from that area. It’s super polished, clean and ready to be marketed to the masses. Every instrument sits where it  should but Shanley's vocals are always the anchor that holds down the music.

Her voice is soulful while blending classic jazz singing styles. She has an impressive dynamic range thats she occasionally belts out like on the opening track “Ready For Love”. The song is upbeat and seemed like an obvious choice as a single. It has a celebratory, festive vibe that is backed up by blaring horns and additional singers.

Another highlight was “Never Will” which is a funky yet subdued number which showcases one her best vocal performances. I started to slowly realize that I thought she sounded best surrounded by horns and a bit soul.

Ready For Love is an album I could see being played on “easy listening - music for your work day” radio or being sold on QVC right after Barry Manilow. It wouldn't be surprised to see Shanley coming out with a Christmas album sometime soon. This type of music is basically repellant for hipsters but will find a home with a slightly older audience. That isn’t a bad thing it’s the truth. Shanley is doing what she loves and it comes across in her music. You have to respect that.

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