“Surrender” is a powerful and emotionally charged track, written by lead singer Angie McConnell, Rick Schutte and JD Harris. Drawing upon her own personal experiences and struggles, Angie delivers a moving and honest performance that will resonate with listeners of all backgrounds. The track’s message of turning to faith and finding strength in surrender is both relatable and inspirational, making it a standout on their debut album.

Angie says, “For me, it’s my give it to God song, but I feel like people could relate to it in different ways. It’s one of the songs I’ve written that hit me all at once and fast. I couldn’t write the words down quickly enough and they just kept coming. It was like I was given a message. I had gone through some really hard stuff a few years back and one day I finally had to just say…’God….I can’t do this. I need help.’ It made my mom all emotional, given that she has always been a faithful Pentecostal woman. I think she was relieved that my childhood wasn’t lost.. Ha!”

Press via MTS Management Group

The acoustic guitars, which dominate the album’s melodies are perfect for McConnell’s introspective and emotive storytelling. The title track, “Crazy World,” sets the tone for the entire album. McConnell’s vocals soar effortlessly, carrying the listener through a melodic landscape. The song is a simple yet powerful piece of storytelling, offering a reflection on the chaotic nature of the world and the struggles of coping with its unpredictability.

“Bed of Roses” is another gem on the album, maintaining the simplicity of storytelling while showcasing McConnell’s ability to convey sincerity through his vocals. While most of the album maintains a mellow and warm vibe, McConnell cleverly introduces variety with tracks like “Don’t Tell Me Why.” This emotional rock ballad adds a dynamic element to the album, organically shifting the pace and keeping the listener engaged.

The album takes another unexpected turn with its closing track, “I Didn’t Know.” This experimental and heavy song serves as a fitting conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. McConnell’s willingness to explore different musical territories showcases her artistic bravery and adds a layer of depth to the overall listening experience. The track stands out as one of the highlights of the album, and closes out the album with confidence.

“Crazy World” is a surprisingly cohesive album that effortlessly weaves together diverse themes and musical styles. Eleyet McConnell’s skill as an artist shines through each track, whether she is delivering a heartfelt acoustic ballad or experimenting with a heavier sound. The production on the album also works well, with each song having fitting production depending on what the situation calls for.

Overall, we find “Crazy World” to be a testament to McConnell’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level while offering them a musical experience that is both comforting and thought-provoking. It effortlessly combines heartfelt storytelling, melodic richness, and a touch of musical exploration. Eleyet McConnell has crafted an album that showcases their skill as a performer, and we’re eager to see what else they have in store.

–Jason Airy