ALBUM REVIEW: HERE YOU ARE

Abby Weidman, Contributer 

Album: Here You Are

Artist: Anne Murray

Label: Universal Music Canada

Grade: B

Years after Anne Murray called it quits on releasing new music, a devoted fan stumbled upon her archives, which led Murray to decide it was finally time to let those songs see the light. Here You Are is her 33rd studio album and a time capsule of songs recorded between 1978 and 1996.

Listening to these songs feels like flipping through an old photo album. It pulls you back to the sound of her earlier records, offering a glimpse of what Murray’s albums used to be. The album is a mix of love, family, and loss, and even features a cover of a Bryan Adams’ hit song “Straight From the Heart”.

My favorite song from Here You Are is “Feels Like More Than Dancing.” In it, Murray explores the feeling of wondering if there’s something more developing between two people and if that connection is felt on both sides. It’s a sweet, thoughtful take on those early moments when you start to realize it might be more than a casual dance.

What makes this album special, however, is that Murray isn’t trying to produce a hit song. Instead, it’s more of a thank you to all the fans who have stuck with her over the years. There’s also a nice family touch—her daughter sings backup vocals on some of the tracks, which makes the whole album feel even more personal. Overall, it all comes together to make a truly meaningful and genuine album.

— Abby Weidman