(April 21, 2025) Here we are, four months into the new year, and all we can count on is…..well, nothing. Political turbulence, the chaos of climate change and stories about an increasingly unsafe world dominate headlines and ratchet up our individual and collective anxieties. That’s why we need occasional reminders to control what we can, release what we cannot and hold on to what gives us strength, which is what New Orleans native and artist, Robin Barnes, reaffirms in her warm uptempo anthem, “In God We Trust.”
Brassy and brimming with optimism, Barnes’ “In God…..” is folksy and gospel-tinged, delivered in a soothing, yet straightforward soprano and dropping lyrics of reflection and resolve and how she learned to surrender to the one up above: “Many trials, many fights, many tired sleepless nights…had to face the darkest times of my life.”
While Robin may be new to your ears, she’s certainly established her skillset in her home city of New Orleans: the Mayor’s designation of “Songbird of New Orleans,” along with her cameos with jazz performers, Grammy winner Big Freedia, appearances in TV shows (“Daisy Jones and The Six,” “Queer As Folk”) and establishing her sound alongside her band the Fiyabirds proves that Ms. Barnes’ talents are ever-evolving. We can’t stop the madness around us, but we can look forward her upcoming project and let “In God……” be a reminder to evolve past the pain, since a greater force is guiding our way.
By Melody Charles
