It is a true gift to be able to write songs that are bright and stick in your listeners' heads in the most pleasant way. Lourdes Pita has that gift. It is a bit of a challenge to label this Massachusetts-based songstress (not that one should put labels on things). She is described as folk-pop, for she has too much of a pop sound to be called folk, but too much of a folk attitude to be called pop.

Lourdes' philosophy to "seize the dream" is found throughout her third album. As a songwriter, her lyrics are simple and easy to understand, with beautiful music to back them up. The range of subjects is fairly diverse, jumping from friendship to love to the future. Lourdes even tackles some darker themes, like the "Obstacles" in life, or the often-neglected subject of the "Work Day."

Her most incredible strength, however, is her knack for creating melodies and simple harmonies that are impossible to resist. This effort appears to be a more folk-based collection of songs than her previous works; however, Lourdes also showcases skilled musicianship on the electric guitar. One song in particular, "Fantasy" might be the catchiest on the album, with a U2-esque reverb adding color to an irresistible chorus. Lourdes adds variety with a little blues in "Future, With You," and some rapping in "Work Day."

All in all, Seize The Dream is a wonderful collection of songs from a consistently talented singer-songwriter. (Self-released)

www.lourdespita.com

-Wren Leader

North East Performer Magazine