It could be easy to accept the statement that Melissa Worthington’s music can best be described as capturing the emotion of Sarah McLachlan, with the passion of Alanis Morisette and the softer vocal tones of Celine Dion, but it wouldn’t do her justice.

Although Melissa’s songwriting does reflect the same straightforward honest account of issues in and of her personal experiences, her subtle melodic style delves deeper into the reality of what we see in the mirror. In her debut CD, If Only, Melissa offers a mixture of introspective stories that reveal a final positive theme of triumph over adversity. The challenge to conquer our own fears and to push beyond all that holds us back. A plea to stand up for ourselves and what we truly want and need.

However it is the journey through these songs that delivers us to these alluring views. In featured songs such as the title track, If Only, Melissa confronts the internal battle of how we often conscientiously present ourselves and think the way others believe we should versus the freedom of listening to our own voice to reflect our true self. In essence, the choice we often make to live behind the walls others create for us instead of ignoring them and living as ourselves. Another conflict, as told in Sleep Tonight, often arises when we find ourselves in that difficult time in our lives when we know we are going to lose a loved one, and the struggle we face knowing there is nothing we can do to prevent it.

While Melissa’s songs lead us on a journey of self examination and meditation, she has chosen an unexpected and interesting last stop on the road. I Love You Lord, a Christian praise song is a tribute for her gift of artistry and the ability to communicate what needs to be said and explored.

You can easily try to label or compare Melissa Worthington to other artists, but those who actually take the time to listen will find the comparison is not with other artists, but with your own true self.