Rebecca Aadland’s latest single is on a theme many will associate with. Her thoughtful lyrics throughout “Stuck in Yesterday” reflect on the need to move on and she delivers her words in an emotion-packed vocal performance. The song opens with an engaging, rhythmic strum on her acoustic guitar and then it builds steadily and subtly, growing towards a rich, layered conclusion. Greg Schutte’s drumming and Dik Shopteau’s bass make that rhythm more forceful while guitars and keys from Lantz Dale, Paul Winchester and Luke Schoper add texture. The atmosphere is enhanced by the moodily-lit video, which climaxes with flames between Aadland and the viewer. It’s a well-crafted blend of folk and pop styles, with Aadland’s soulful voice at its heart.
Rebecca Aadland grew up with music. Her father was a minister and pipe organ builder and her mother played the church organ. Meanwhile, Rebecca and her siblings (she was the seventh of ten children) all sang. Later, Rebecca would go on to gain a degree in music and would teach choral music in schools for many years. That immersion in music is clear in her craft and performance. Her recent album, “Stronger Broken”, came fifteen years after her debut and was the culmination of six years of work in the studio. The songs are all the more poignant and emotionally resonant because Aadland’s husband and musical collaborator, Dr. Brian Tillotson, died unexpectedly on the very day that the album tracks and artwork were completed and sent off to be manufactured. Three months after his death the album was released into the world and the music and lyrics he helped create are his legacy. A great champion of Rebecca’s music, he can be felt in these meaningful songs of love, hard-times, change and loss. This is authentic and heartfelt – check it out.
