Artist Watch: Serena Ryder

With a dauntingly powerful voice that is as tough as nails yet still earnestly insecure, Serena Ryder makes a dramatic introduction into the music business with her debut album Is It O.K.

The obvious similarities between Ryder and numerous artists are one of the unique factors to her persona – it would seem that some very different artists influence her heavily. For example, her vocals are reminiscent of artists such as KT Tunstall, Johnette Napolitano (of Concrete Blonde fame) and Brandi Carlile, but her overall style seems indicative of apparent influences by Mellissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Natalie Merchant and Norah Jones.

There are many highlights to this artist, including an acoustic variation of the often-overlooked Bruce Springsteen song “Racing in the Street.” And while she shines performing someone else’s work, it is her original works that really stand out. Granted, she's not at "The Boss" level yet, but her lyrics are ripe with a biting and sharp-edged attitude. Ryder dazzles in what is sure to be a bright career.



A Little Bit of Red – Think KT “Tunstall’s Black Horse and a Cherry Tree” with more attitude and swagger. Ryder not only matches Etheridge’s grit on this track but she manages to slide in a can’t-help-but-sing-along chorus that leaves a lasting impression of haunting malice and fury. The crown jewel of her album, expect to play this track repeatedly.





Sweeping the Ashes – Perhaps her second best track, this lyrical gem tells the story of a person whose youth was washed away from a relationship that’s love has expired. The partner decides they want out, leaving the narrator to blast out their frustrations. It has a bit of a 3 Doors Down feel to it, but the lyrics are much bolder and carry her message of dejection loud and clear.





Last Night I had the Strangest Dream – This cover of Ed McCurdy's classic anti-war ballad sounds like Natalie Merchant’s Tigerlily, particularly the tracks “Wonder” and “Carnival.”





All For Love – Up-tempo and rhythmic, this catchy rock/pop tune hits all the right chords. Perhaps no other artist is as prevalent on the album as Johnette Napolitano is, because this is exactly the kind of music she would be making today. On a side note, it has a bit of a Fleetwood Mac sound to it. If someone had told me this was a Stevie Nicks song, I wouldn't have challenged them.





It Doesn’t Matter Anymore – reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson’s “Morning Lullabies,” this soft and delicate – yet still bluesy – song would be perfect for an artist like Joe Cocker to cover. Much like a Norah Jones or Billy Joel song (only a bit more spiteful), this ballad tells of a missed chance at love.





Just Another Day – sounds like an Eve 6 or Blessid Union of Souls track with a bit of Amy Winehouse mixed in for good measure. Add in an alternative chorus to John Mellencamp’s famous tune and you’ve got yourself a low-key-yet-downtrodden track that flows like a river.





Weak in the Knees - A love ballad that is sure to be played at indie aficionados' weddings. It is a slow yet eternally hopeful song reminicent of Bryan Adam's "Right Here Waiting for You" or "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"





Racing in the Street - Like this wouldn't make it into the blog. A tale of a drifter whose love has seen better days. A sincere cover version that really highlights the lyrics and gives them a unique voice.