Collingwood’s Queen M opens her debut soul album with a defiant anthem for holding your head up high and moving on. For anyone who’s left a relationship behind, they’ll certainly find these songs relatable, right from her opening lines: “I wish I didn’t know how deep the well was/ I wish I didn’t know how far I could fall” to her refrain “I’m taking the high road/ you carry your own load.” Say goodbye to your attention – it will be in Queen M’s hands from here on.
This debut album by Marcia Hubbs and her band is a testament to recognizing your own power. It’s about standing tall, picking up the pieces after a relationship ends. But she doesn’t dwell in the struggle as much as celebrate the journey, one where she’s discovered her Full Body Smile along the way and is “stepping into myself” and “moving to a rhythm I’ve never ever felt before” she proudly sings. She’s found her happy place on this song, just as she’s found her voice on this album.
Introducing Queen M is a fun, upbeat record that is rooted in soul, with hints of reggae, folk and dance. Bob Marley hovers in the background on a few songs, like The Machine. The reggae vibe requires you to sing along to lines like: “Let’s celebrate today before it’s gone.”
“Watch me now/ I wish you all the best boy/ My mom gave me some good advice/ Don’t let anyone steal your joy” Hubbs sings on the dance tune Evolution of Queen M, reinforcing the sentiments she opened with on High Road.
The Colour of Her Skin is a force of nature and should be played loud. The message is positive but rooted in the darkness of racism. It is an empowering anthem and sure to find an audience.
The vocals on Hold Her While you Can are smooth as butter and it’s one that hits me hard since I’ve got a young daughter myself, and am ready to heed the advice. I know that soon enough I’ll be walking her to school and that one day someone will steal her heart. “Don’t let the tears drown the faith in you” she sings and I’m already getting emotional thinking about it.
We don’t see enough soul music being made in this area, and especially not such high calibre as what Queen M offers. This is a refreshing collection of tunes for an area known for its steady output of rock, indie, country and folk. Add this soul album to your morning drive and start your day feeling energized, powerful, and proud. This album is a journey – go ahead and let Queen M take you on it.
Written by Jesse Wilkinson
