Jesse Lynn Madera’s new single “Unchained” has been garnering attention from music lovers across the country. Madera, a singer-songwriter whose music fuses pop, folk, blues, Americana, and jazz, offers a new take on Johnny Cash’s 1996 track of the same name. The single’s accompanying lyric video features imagery of flowers growing through cracked pavement, a fitting visual representation of Madera’s request to have a weight lifted from her so that her spirit may be unchained.
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Madera’s vocals are haunting, yet delicate, as she captures the essence of the somber tune. Her piano-driven compositions are a testament to her versatility as an artist, as she fluidly moves between genres with ease. Listeners are drawn to Madera’s music due to her ability to evoke raw human emotion and experience, creating an endless palette of sound.
Born in West Virginia, Madera’s childhood was steeped in music. Her self-taught grandparents were musicians, who used their back porch or living room as their stage. Madera began playing her grandmother’s upright piano when she was just a toddler. Her family moved frequently due to job transfers, leading Madera to develop a rich interior world that inspired her to begin songwriting at an early age.
After focusing on raising her two sons, George and Jack, Madera continued to write, and in 2020, she released her debut album, “Fortunes.” The album was widely acclaimed and solidified Madera’s place in the music industry as a rising artist of note.
“Unchained,” produced by Dan Navarro (Lowen & Navarro), and engineered by multi-Grammy award-winner Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Sting, and The Bangles), is the first offering from her forthcoming album, “Belle Sent Me,” set to release in 2023. While Madera’s version of “Unchained” may not be optimal for TikTok due to its somber appearance and lack of meme-ability, the song is already garnering plenty of attention from fans and critics alike — the song’s lyrics video is gaining views like wildfire, and the consensus seems to agree that “Unchained” is a perfect tribute to Johnny Cash. Madera’s interpretation of “Unchained” is a nod to the late musician’s enduring legacy, showcasing her ability to deliver a poignant and heartfelt performance.
With her versatile vocals and her ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly, Jesse Lynn Madera is an artist to watch in the coming years. Her sophomore album promises to deliver a compelling blend of Madera’s unique style, cementing her place as one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years. “Unchained” is a moving and emotional track that showcases Madera’s talent and pays tribute to one of the most iconic musicians of all time. Through her unique blend of genres and influences, Madera continues to showcase her versatility as a singer-songwriter. Despite its somber appearance, “Unchained” stands as a testament to the power of music to evoke complex emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level. With “Unchained,” Madera has proven herself as an artist who is not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of genre. It will be exciting to see where her musical journey takes her next.
Jodi Marxbury