Search - Holly Near :: Edge

Musical Espresso for Your Sense of Social Justice

rrr338 | 12/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Edge" is a near-perfect collection of songs that express a deep thirst for social justice. Surprisingly, however, there is quite a bit of variation in style (vocal, instrumental, and lyrical).
Virtually every song becomes what one may well consider the "signature song" for a particular social issue.
"If It Were Up to Me" offers a rapid-fire litany of excuses for school gun violence ("...maybe it's the drugs, maybe it's the parents, maybe it's the colors everybody's wearin..."). One wonder just how many of these excuses have been earnestly offered by the NRA (maybe all?). "Standard White Jesus" is a bluesy, satirical look at those who prefer to cling to the delusion of a homogenous (and white) world in which to live. "Uh-huh" pays homage to all of us who have gotten so fed up that we have felt the need (but fortunately chose not to) strike out.
And then there is "I Ain't Afraid," my vote as the signature song for the September 11 terrorist attacks. Many will not believe that this song was written and performed BEFORE those attacks.
Holly Near puts fanatacism in its place here, whether it takes on Christian, Islamic, or Judaic trappings. What I like is that she sings about not being afraid of "your churches, your temples, your prayers" but then goes on to sing of having no fear for "your culture, your music, your dances." So the message is, don't fear the fanatics, but continue to embrace those who are different. To my mind, that is the ULTIMATE weapon against terrorism. An extremely powerful song here.
Finally, I must say that I had the pleasure of hearing Holly Near perform at a concert hosted by our small college. She also gave a presentation to some of the students on how to extend their artistic capabilities. She urged them to take risks, and resist backing down from opportunites and projects that would seem daunting or too challenging. Extending ourselves beyond our perceived limits is how we grow. Great message, Holly!"

Holly's Edge is Back!

Beverly L. Herzog | Bellflower, IL USA | 11/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been one of Holly's straight, but not narrow, fans for well over a decade and have most of her CDs (and tapes and LPs from the old days). This is her best in a long time and my favorite CD that I've purchased in the past year. Holly excells at topical music, singing of peace and positive social change. I bought this CD in August and loved it then, but (as other reviewers note) it's especially poignant after 9/11. "I ain't Afraid" of your God/Jesus/Allah, your Bible/Torah/Koran, or your church/temple/mosque -- "I'm afraid of what you do in the name of your god" seems written for that event. It's nicely balanced with "Kids are Gonna Love", which starts with a Jew and Moslum falling in love. The CD has a wide variety of musical styles, from jazzy to folk, beautiful harmonies, and, above all, great lyrics. I was listening to this again this morning and again got chills from some of the songs; not many CDs evoke that response. If you like music that makes you think about the world around you sung in a gorgeous voice, you'll love this CD."

Holly Just Wrote Her Best Songs

bethtexas | United States | 06/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is it possible for a long-established singer to make a new album --- and have it be her best ever? Apparently so!These are, I think, Holly Near's best songs to date. The lyrics are fearless, political, and catchy. Each song presents a different, creative musical style. Not sure she can still hit the high notes like she did back in SKY DANCES, but who needs to, when you're writing songs this exciting? And her well-trained voice is still a treat.You don't want to miss, "I ain't afraid ..." Just when everyone else is shying away from the political! Holly sticks right in there, and with her characteristic optimism and cheer."