Review by Garth Thomas, Hollywood Digest
Luanne Hunt doesn’t need extra bells and whistles. She doesn’t require extra autotune or the latest sample. Her voice and a few backing instruments are as powerful as an arena full of voices in the profound single “We Rise”. Hunt, one of indie music’s hardest working trailblazers, shines, as always, in her newest release.
The first few moments in “We Rise” are soft reminders of gathering thoughts. As the piano keys begin to play and a warm, acoustic guitar brushes against the piano, it’s almost as if it’s the sound of seeing a Disney meadow for the first time. All the green is as green as you’ve ever seen, all the blues are the bluest you’ve ever witnessed. Breathe in. Breathe out. Hunt’s voice is high and lovely. She’s not a caricature of a Disney princess or songstress, but she’s light, she’s fun and she’s endearing.
Her voice moves above the piano with each lyric. When she sings, “Find purpose in the rain” she calls to mind the idea that as much as we think our plans are being rained on, or it’s a dreary day, she’s saying that the grass needs the rain, the flowers need the rain. The rain has purpose. And we will get through the dark days. I have to change my attitude and well, rise up (and wise up). This song gave me that joy and that simple reminder.
The chorus of “We Rise” is anthemic. And just under Hunt’s emphatic voice are the sounds of many, a plethora of humming that creates a balloon of sonic bliss. The balloon never pops, but rather keeps going up, up, up and away. “We Rise” has such simplicity, yet delivers a powerful and poignant message. I felt awakened and energized after just the first listen.
Fans that love the Andra Day song “Rise Up” should take a chance on Luanne Hunt’s “We Rise”. Listeners that prefer the 60s magic of “Age Of Aquarius” might even dig this tune. I’m positive that Hunt’s country fans will stick with her and love “We Rise”. The need to feel something, to connect with the listener is definitely present in Hunt’s tune. She’s crafted a song that is inspiring and entertaining.