Glenn Meling releases “Minnesota” An Expression of Brave Norwegian Immigrants Coming To America

Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
"Minnesota" cover courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
“Minnesota” cover courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

“Minnesota” is a new CD recently released in October by singer/songwriter Glenn Meling. In the style of pop, rock, Americana music this is the third solo project he has released and sure to be a favorite for many. This album was produced by Glenn Meling (producer) and Steve Honest (studio sound engineer).

The album focuses on migration to America during the 19th century. The inspiration for this album came from Meling’s travels through out the US in the Midwest, where the Norwegian settlers influence continues to this day. During the 1800’s many Norwegian settlers chose the Midwest to make their homes and in Minnesota ,St. Olaf College includes the study of Norwegian heritage and immigration in their curriculum.

“Alive” is edgy and opens with vibrancy. Then it hits hard, reminding me of an early Bowie. Love the vocals so fresh and tempting. The highs are truly a thrill. Instrumentation is compelling and driving. The lyrics… “Tears are made in heaven, they rain on me sometimes” could touch many in various areas of their own lives.

As waves of intolerance and xenophobia rock the country, it is songs like this that remind people of their roots. ~ Indiverse ~

Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

“Brother Jonathan” has a unique opening as well. The bass lines are smooth but deep and the guitar is raw and sharp. The song is about a new life in a new country. A term used to refer to American and what it was to the new immigrants was “Brother Jonathan”, he beckons them to come and start a fresh new life in a new land and encourages them to have strength in numbers in a “City of Dreams”.Today we use “Uncle Sam” when speaking of America….excellent.

This collection is about migration during the 19th century of many Europeans as they came to America. The lyrics and the vocals on this collection are powerful, the instrumentation and interpretation of the music is inviting and fresh. There is never a dull moment and it is full of unharnessed energy.

Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

“America” is track five and it is hard driving, and has a refreshing groove that is unintentional because it is natural. The movement in the song will bring you in to the wave of harmony and the rhythmic imagination of the artist.

The last track I reviewed on this album is “The New Day” and it is an excellent interpretation of what new travelers may have thought as they first saw this country, this land and had a vision of what their new home might be in the future.

This is an intriguing concept album. ~ Monoblogue ~

All the lyrics on this album are inspirational, engaging, and easy to sing along with. They welcome you to create your own vision of what the new beginning might have been when our ancestors first came here to the new world.

Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Glenn Meling courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

This album was recorded in Hackney Road Studios, London and in Oslo, Norway, with Steve Honest (worked as guitar tech for Ritchie Blackmore, Ryn Cooder) – also worked with Culture Club, Eurythmics, Grant Leen Buffalo, Uriah Heep, and Oasis. It was mastered at Air Studios, London and was produced by Glenn Meling and mixed by Steve Honest.

In a nut shell vocally, I heard a lot of Bowie mixed with maybe a touch of Sting and even a little country drawl. The emotion and the soul found in the lyrics is reminiscent of true pop rock. Instrumentally there is a great balance and overall it expresses many of the greats in the 80’s.

Check out Glenn Meling at the following links:

Websites:

glennmeling.co.uk
https://twitter.com/GlennMeling
www.facebook.com/Glenn-Meling

https://glennmeling.bandcamp.com/releases

About Sherryl Craig 410 Articles
Sherryl is a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor with Nashville Music Guide and her blog, Lyrics N Legends has been featured since 2012. Her articles has graced the cover and have appeared as feature stories in the NMG print edition. She is also a member of WMMW, Women of Music Music of Women, a non-profit organization in support of women in the music industry. WMMW also appears here in Nashville Music Guide.

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