Heartbreak. Sorrow. Loss. Fear. Uncertainty. Love. Hope. Jubilation. Triumph. Yes, Wanda Gronhovd masterfully deals with the full spectrum of human emotions in the songs she writes. Combining elements of folk, pop, and soul, she creates music that is sure to tap your feet and, as the kids say, get you right in the feels. If Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Sarah McLachlan morphed into one person you might just end up with Wanda Gronhovd. With a
beautiful, powerful voice, soaring melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, her songs demand repeated listens.
Awakening is a wonderfully cohesive album, beginning with the uplifting rush of ‘Hold On Tight,’ which Gronhovd describes as “a love song for my wife.” However, the centrepiece of the album is undeniably the autobiographical title track. ‘Awakening’ is a tour de force of a song that deals with the fears, implications, and, ultimately the liberation of coming out. There is a feeling of contentment, relief, and triumph.