Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review


Meleana, White Walls
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Meleana
White Walls



Genre(s): Pop
Album length: 10 tracks: 34 minutes, 18 seconds
Street Date: November 18, 2016


READER RATING:   


Hailing from the ever beautiful Island of Hawaii, pop singer Meleana Brown recently released her debut record, White Walls, through the continually expanding and innovative Dream Records. Outstanding vocals and an infectious sound slightly reminiscent of Britt Nicole's latest effort helps draw the album into the small crowd of Christian artists willing to forsake CCM's forcibly emotive sound. But unlike Nicole's release, White Walls often feels like it's still in the process of finding this sound, which may be the album's biggest drawback.

"Live For You" and "Surrender" introduce this struggle from the outset. Although they're complemented by pop's signature finger snaps and synth beats, the melodies, in an attempt to be worshipful, end up sounding dry. The problem these songs have is trying to force a worshipful aesthetic into a sugary sound. "Surrender" suffers less in this regard due to its danceable chorus, but the influence is still present.

Despite an uneven start, this contradiction in sound is barely present on following tracks. The title track is sure to be an album highlight. Meleana's vocals shine on the chorus and the emotion comes through loud and clear. Additionally, the song is supported by a creative metaphor of surrender equating to giving God a white wall to paint His will and plan on. "Through the Storm" and "Author" continue in the same vein. Unfortunately, this highlights another setback with White Walls: its predictability. The majority of the album utilizes the simple structure of a slow verse and a grandiose emotional chorus. There's nothing wrong with this, but when eight of the ten songs rely on the same structure, listener engagement is difficult to achieve.

When the album does fork away from the traditional, the results are excellent. "Dear Mirror" boasts an exceptionally fun chorus carrying relevant lyrics of self-image and confidence. This reviewer's personal favourite is the Hawaiian-flavored "Hideaway." A wonderful ukelele lazily drifts through the verse and chorus as Meleana sings about romance and intimate memories. It's the first time we hear a sound unique to Meleana and it's nothing short of fantastic.

As a debut, White Walls is satisfying, but there is much room for improvement next time around. A little more focus on developing an original sound and identity will aid her next batch of songs immensely. Until then, White Walls is a recommended listen to pop fans and CCM listeners, but if you aren't interested in those genres, you can safely pass on this release.

- Review date: 11/23/16, written by Lucas Munachen of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Try Pop Culture Coffee!

 

. Record Label: DREAM Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 34 minutes, 18 seconds
. Street Date: November 18, 2016
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Live For You (3:12)
  2. Surrender (3:46)
  3. White Walls (4:00)
  4. Through The Storm (3:09)
  5. Author (3:34)
  6. Why You Gotta Go Away (3:22)
  7. Dear Mirror (2:47)
  8. Word From You (3:38)
  9. Hideaway (3:22)
  10. Hold On (3:28)

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Try Pop Culture Coffee!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
SINGLES
Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

This Friday, June 6, 2025
ALBUMS
CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD - Single [Provident]
Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA [Provident]
Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]

VINYL
Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, June 13, 2025
ALBUMS
Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

SINGLES
CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images