Melissa Carper’s latest album, Borned in Ya, feels like a deep dive into the heart of American roots music, a place where jazz, blues, and country seamlessly intertwine. The album’s title, borrowed from an old Ralph Stanley interview, captures the essence of Carper herself—an artist who was raised on the classics and who now stands as a torchbearer for a sound that is at once timeless and refreshingly original. Growing up playing in her family’s country band, Carper absorbed the music of legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Ray Charles, and that influence is unmistakable in her fifth full-length album. Yet, with her distinctive warble and modern sensibility, Carper manages to breathe new life into these classic sounds.
Borned in Ya invites listeners into a smoky, dimly lit world where horns and piano conjure the atmosphere of an intimate backroom bar. The album’s title track is a lively celebration of authenticity, featuring gospel-like harmonies that urge you to embrace the music and wisdom of heroes like Hazel Dickens and Leadbelly. Carper’s lyrics remind us that these influences should seep into our very being, becoming an inseparable part of who we are: “borned into your blood / into your bones.” It’s a powerful anthem for staying true to oneself, even as the world around us changes.
Carper’s ability to evoke emotion is particularly evident in the album’s more wistful tracks, like “I Don’t Love You Anymore” and “That’s My Desire.” These songs are bathed in a hazy, nostalgic glow, enhanced by Carper’s romantic, longing voice. Meanwhile, tracks like “Your Furniture’s Too Nice” and “Somewhere Between Texas and Tennessee” showcase her knack for Western swing, kicking up golden dust with their infectious rhythms. Carper also delivers a new anthem of independence with “There’ll Be Another One,” a soaring, big band-inspired tune that feels like it was plucked straight from a bygone era.
What makes Borned in Ya truly special is how effortlessly Carper navigates between genres, blending them into a cohesive whole that defies easy categorization. Whether she’s channeling the blues, jazz, or classic country, Carper sounds right at home in each sonic space she explores. Her music feels like a lovingly crafted homage to the greats who came before her, yet it also possesses a freshness that is entirely her own.
In Borned in Ya, Melissa Carper proves that she’s not just a student of American roots music; she’s a master of it. The album is a rich, textured tapestry of sounds and stories that invites listeners to lose themselves in its warmth and wisdom. Carper’s unique voice and vision make Borned in Ya a standout release, one that is sure to resonate with anyone who appreciates music that speaks to the soul. – Jason Felton