Review Summary: It's Rainin' Men. Hallelujah.
Most likely, none of you know who Martha Wash is. But most of you have heard her before. She was actually the one who provided the vocals to the early 90's hit "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" By the C&C Music Factory. However, her crowning achievement was once being a part of the girl group The Weathers Girls, singers of the classic, "It's Rainin' Men". Now, 30 years after the big hit, Martha is still releasing music at 61 years old. But how good can a one hit wonder's album that came out 30 years after the big hit be? You may be surprised.
If there had to be one word to describe this album, it would have to be innocent. Wash isn't here to break musical ground or change the world or anything. It's a simple, feel-good half hour of vocal-driven gospel pop, and boy do the vocal drive. Wash has an amazingly powerful voice, that definitely sounds of her gospel choir roots. However, she doesn't simply go at an 11 all the time, which would've easily gotten old after a while. But when she shines, boy does she shine. One of the biggest examples is her cover of "Dream On" by Aerosmith (Yes, this is real). The strength of her voice still allows the song to carry its power, just in a different way from the original. Not as flash though are the lyrics, which mostly consist of songs about feeling good, feeling love, and feeling for others. You see, Ms. Wash is here for you, and she's here to say that everything will be alright and to hang in there. While they don't really go too deep into any topics, just the fact she's sounds so damn happy will just warm your heart.
Instrumentally, there isn't really nothing that really sticks out. The songs usually range from piano ballads to gospel-like production with sweet sounding strings and nice enough drums. However, the previously mentioned "Dream On" cover really picks up the speed with the drums driving the song for a very surreal, but majestic moment on the album. While not as prominent as the other instruments, guitars, acoustic or funky, occasionally pop in for a nice little addition.
I came in to this just thinking this will be just for laughs. But this genuinely surprised me with how good this actually is.This will most likely not appeal to anyone on this sight. Do you honestly believe there is someone here who's crazy hyped for Martha Wash. Let's be honest: this is the type of music your parents would listen to. But if you just want to listen to this expecting It's Rainin' Men: The Album, this will disappoint you. But for what this is, an album from an artist who's most known for her song about men falling from the sky 30 years after it rained men in 1982, it's a surprisingly nice little 29 min. treat. May you bring an umbrella wherever you go, Martha Wash.
