photo courtesy of Highway Music

Single Review of Ilianna: “A Year From Now” (Highway Music)

You may remember Ilianna (Viramontes) from her appearance on The Voice a few years ago. Although that’s the one singing competition show I sometimes watch, I don’t watch every season, and that was one of the seasons I missed, so “A Year From Now” is my first encounter with this exceptionally talented pop singer-songwriter.

image courtesy of Highway Music

Ilianna’s voice is sweet with a soft vocal edge despite a slightly hoarse texture in spots, but only when she stretches for notes. It’s the sort of voice that can make a song seem warm and inviting and, indeed, that’s exactly what it does on “A Year From Now.” The vocals and the melody change pace, feeling introspective in the verses but a bit more self-confident and playful in the chorus.

As for subject matter, it carries a light mood through thoughts of the future in the early days of a relationship that’s going well. Totally relatable for those seeking love, in love, or who remember falling in love. Some insecurity sneaks in, but not much, keeping the song pleasant and enjoyable. The lyrics and Ilianna’s delivery will make the song content feel current – or reminiscent, depending on your current lot in life and love – with well-crafted lyrics like “what if I told you I was picturing us a year from now?” combining with Ilianna’s engaging delivery to help secure “A Year From Now” a welcome place across a broad range of listener personas’ playlists.

photo courtesy of Highway Music

Looking For More?

Well, “A Year From Now” was Ilianna’s second single release. She released “Close to You” a month before “A Year From Now.” You can hear “Close to You” here on Spotify. Spotify also includes Ilianna’s cover of Yael Naim’s “New Soul” from her appearance on The Voice eight years ago. Of the three, I think “A Year From Now” is my favorite. Based on her outstanding but still-too-small body of work, I hope to hear much more new music from Ilianna in the very near future. She has the talent to become a long-term favorite artist on my playlist… and on yours, too, I bet.