Out Of The Darkness by Stephanie Bettman
- Arashk Azizi
- May 5
- 3 min read
Jazz meets rock, and Out of the Darkness emerges as a bold, genre-defying statement from the brilliant singer and musician Stephanie Bettman. This album presents a collection of 14 original tracks that blend folk, pop, rock, jazz, and Latin influences with fearless creativity and emotional depth. More than just a stylistic experiment, it’s a testament to Bettman’s evolution as an artist—one who dares to push boundaries while staying true to the soul of her storytelling.
What strikes me most is Stephanie’s extraordinary ability as a singer. She performs in fourteen distinct songs, each blending different genres—from pop to folk to rock—and somehow, she masters them all. At no point during the album does her voice feel out of place. She uses her voice the way a virtuoso uses their instrument: fluid, dynamic, and always in command. She navigates through styles while maintaining the integrity of her tone,
never compromising, always expressive.
A look inside the album:
The journey begins with “River of Oblivion”, a powerful opener with driving rhythms and vocals influenced by country and folk-rock. It sets a bold tone for what’s to come.
“Beautiful Day” lives up to its name, offering a more upbeat and positive mood. Its soft rock-country style feels warm and inviting.
“Walking in a Dream” brings a jazz-lounge atmosphere, with a smooth piano and jazzy vocals intertwining seamlessly—perfect for a night café mood. It’s an incredible listening experience.
Then comes “Ain’t That The Way,” lifting the energy once more. This track fuses pop, rock, and folk, and reminded me a bit of Ricky Martin’s fiery flair—bold and full of character.
“Love Doesn’t Lie” follows with torch-song intensity. It's a ballad full of melancholy and lyrical depth, emotionally raw and beautifully haunting.
“Kryptonite” begins with a mystical tone before evolving into a pop-electronic blend. It’s edgy and modern, yet soulful.
“Won’t Settle For Less” is a heartfelt ballad—tender and full of vulnerability, showcasing Stephanie’s expressive vocal range.
“Never Give Up” shifts the pace with a punchy, 90s-style pop groove. It's upbeat, empowering, and executed flawlessly.
“To Be Loved” is a vocal highlight. Here, Stephanie lets her voice soar with full emotion—strong, yet delicate. It’s a breathtaking performance.
“Gravity” is intimate and soothing, like a diary entry set to music. Carried mostly by voice and guitar, it creates a quiet, magnetic pull.
“You Need To Know” feels like a song from a musical, its melodic complexity and theatrical delivery make it stand out in the best way.
“Move On” blends pop, electronic, and rock influences into one of the album’s most beautiful moments.
“Be Big” returns to a rock-infused style. It’s my personal favorite—powerful, rhythmic, and catchy, with vocals that truly shine.
The album closes with “Dream Of Flying”, ending on a bright and uplifting note, both musically and lyrically—a perfect finale to the journey.
Out Of The Darkness is a sonic voyage. From the lyrics to the stylistic shifts, it’s meticulously crafted to guide the listener through a spectrum of emotions, eras, and genres. I highly recommend listening from start to finish, without shuffle, to experience the full narrative arc. It’s not just music—it’s a story, a mood, and a journey wrapped in beautiful sound.
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