Diana Silvers becomes a triple threat with her honest and heartfelt debut album, From Another Room.
Written by Eve Elliott
Dripping with warmth and endearing rawness, actress/model Diana Silvers’ debut album From Another Room is a glimpse into the heart and mind of an authentic modern folk artist.
It’s clear from the first track that something about this album is different. Immediately, we’re transported into the room with Silvers as she sings about the tranquility of being happily in love over cello and plucky guitar on “Big Sur”. It’s like listening to your own personal Tiny Desk Concert, but instead of an audience and cameras, there’s a comfy chair and a warm blanket waiting for you. This feeling comes largely from the fact that each song on the album was recorded live in a single take. The production style brings a nostalgic flavor and personal touch to the record that can be hard to find on modern music streaming platforms, where everything feels a bit impersonal. It immediately caught my attention, and the warm, fuzzy feeling continues for the full 41-minute runtime.
Silvers’ literal lyricism is exceptional in its ability to pull big emotions from small moments. On “Airplane,” she sings about the fear that many women experience daily while recounting a story of a man getting frustrated by a baby girl crying on a plane. Silvers sings, “He doesn’t know/I hope she never knows/The fear”. The heartbreaking “For Dad” captures the sadness of change and the aging of loved ones. The lyrics are a series of questions and observations, ending with “I watch the children get older/I watch my father get older too/ Sometimes it snows in April too.” Silvers’ writing style is honest and heartfelt, as if the lyrics were taken straight out of her diary. She bares her heart in an uncomplicated way that is sure to connect with all kinds of listeners.
A highlight from the album is the percussion-heavy “Just a Stranger”. It has a rich, full sound that gives listeners a break from the minimalist style used throughout most of the album. Percussive instruments and flute are added to the base formula of guitar and vocals. “Just A Stranger” was meant to be played in a cozy coffeehouse, akin to the style of Norah Jones or Jack Johnson. In the song, Silvers reflects on a former flame and wonders if they’re thinking about her too. It’s sweet and hopeful, with just a touch of nostalgia.
Silvers’ vocals are soft and warm and alarmingly genuine. While they’re not always perfect, they’re always sincere, and her voice breathes life into the instrumentals. Silvers shows off her vocal chops at the end of “The Dream”, crying out, “Do you love me?/Do you miss me?/Do you want me?/Do you need me?”. Her longing is compounded by the intensity of her vocals, especially in contrast with the soft, reserved voice that she usually employs. The emotion shines through in every word she sings, bringing an honesty to her songs that reassures us that this is the real deal. Despite Silvers’ film and television background, it’s clear that there’s no acting going on here.
All in all, From Another Room is a strong debut from Silvers, who expertly carves her own style while paying homage to the great folk artists who came before her. I can’t overstate the positive effect that the single-take recording style has on Silvers’ music. It feels like her lyrics are meant to be heard this way, as close to a live setting as you can get without actually being in person. Musically, From Another Room is beautiful in its simplicity, and the small imperfections sprinkled throughout the album remind us of the authenticity of the recording. Silvers has found a new fan in me, and I’m excited to see her star continue to rise.
