Tracy Cruz - Universoul Symphony (2011)

Tracy Cruz proves to be a confident lyricist on her new CD Universoul Symphony. Her songwriting is infused with a maturity that belies her relative youth. Take the song “Flowers and Candy”:  this track describes the arc of the joy of new love, the frustration and confusion that accompanies love that grows stale and the determination to put the effort forth to make the relationship work. The nuances in the songwriting are matched by the musical arrangement. “Flowers and Candy” features changes in musical tempo that accentuate each mood and movement.

“Love’s Galaxy,” a song propelled by a rumbling bass line, sports the kind of stratospheric lyrics that would have made this cut fit on a 1970s playlist when artists regularly sang about heavenly bodies and astrological signs. The funky “Happy” is a song about the small pleasures that people often take for granted. While others her age find joy in material things, Cruz has the lyrical insight to appreciate things that sometimes only come clear with age.

Unfortunately, Cruz has yet to master the vocal aspect with the same level of adeptness that she manifests in her songwriting.  She is still learning to master her instrument, and sometimes she falls into the trap of over singing and pushing beyond the borders of her vocal range. These are things that this talented artist will address with time.

Universoul Symphony’s strengths mark Tracy Cruz as an artist to watch. Cruz displays the kind of skills that can make her a first rate songwriter. And as she matures vocally, Cruz has a shot to become the total package. Moderately Recommended.

By Howard Dukes