I love exclusive listening sessions. It’s pure bliss. I love that feeling: sitting there, knowing something others don’t yet know, feeling like a music insider, part of the elite, if you will. And today is one of those times — Stephanie Bettman’s album ‘Out Of The Darkness’, which comes out on May 5, 2025… and I’ve already had the chance to check it out.

Stephanie has long worked at the crossroads of genres, and on this album, she finally decides, “Why not try everything at once?” From pop and folk rock to Latin fusion and light funk — the whole album sounds like a party where everyone brought their friends along. And you know what? It works better than you might expect.

Each of the 14 tracks is tied to its own genre, and it never descends into chaos because Bettman has one major advantage — her voice and her approach to delivery. She never sounds like she’s playing someone else’s part. Everything feels natural. Even when a track leans heavily into funk and then suddenly shifts into bright folk with a touch of Latin influence, it still remains her space.

The album really carries the positive, bold energy promised in its title. Joy, strength, the feeling that you can get through all the crap and still hold on to yourself. Sure, at times it’s a bit too polished, and not every song drives itself into your head like a spike, but across the full release, it doesn’t throw off the vibe. The sound is crystal clear. Sometimes maybe even too clear. Personally, there were moments when I would have liked to hear a little more roughness, a bit more rawness, to make the tracks feel a bit less perfect and a bit more alive. But at the same time, it’s impossible to deny that the overall production quality is excellent. Everything is laid out very cleanly, without layers of noise or muddiness.

‘Out Of The Darkness’ radiates optimism. The title speaks for itself, and the content reinforces the message. The vocal work deserves especially loud applause. Stephanie’s voice moves effortlessly across the different genre sections: in the pop moments, it plays with soft colors; in the rock tracks, a touch of rasp emerges; the Latin line receives an elastic, ornamented delivery. Her falsetto gently traces the peaks, while her chest register confidently fills the space. The harmonies create a feeling of a choral trail, while the solo center remains sharply focused.

Big Vibes, Big Hooks

The journey opens with ‘River Of Oblivion’, a track that sets the tone and immediately builds a bridge into Stephanie Bettman’s world. The opening ritualistic folk drums seem to beat somewhere inside the chest, while the layered vocals, stretching from low to high choral parts, wrap around the listener, and Stephanie’s central voice, touched by light jazz inflections, sounds magnetic.

The shift to ‘Walking in a Dream’ changes the mood: we dive into soft soul with a cinematic sweep. Everything here is built around coziness, dreaminess, and a warm club atmosphere. It’s easy to picture Stephanie standing under a golden spotlight, gliding gently through the notes while the whole room holds its breath.

But there’s no chance to relax — ‘Ain’t That The Way’ sharply turns the wheel toward bright pop with a noticeable Latin fusion drive. Here, another side of Stephanie Bettman comes through: pulsing, warm, energetic. The rhythms invite you to dance, the melodies ooze sunny warmth, and the soul of the album steps fully into the spotlight.

And it only gets brighter from there. ‘Kryptonite’ sounds playful, light, and strikingly minimalist. Stephanie’s vocals practically hover above the arrangement, building rhythmic waves that catch the listener by the sleeve.

‘Never Give Up’ steps onto the stage and blows everything wide open with its pop-funk groove, where the guitars finally get enough space to unleash a rock-tinged punch. It’s an absolute highlight of the album in terms of raw energy. But Bettman doesn’t let the momentum run unchecked. ‘Gravity’ is a tender ballad with a gentle sway, like a lullaby for adults. Then comes ‘Be Big’ — a track with a cosmic intro, light electronic layers, and an almost ritualistic atmosphere. A strong centerpiece in the album.

And finally, ‘Dream Of Flying’ — the final touch. Everything here is carefully crafted for a grand closing: the track fills up with brightness, emotion, and airiness. The expansive vocals, confident delivery, and energetic chords come together. There’s a spirit reminiscent of ABBA, yet filtered through Stephanie Bettman’s own lyrical perspective. The song leaves you standing at the threshold of a new chapter, with a smile on your face and a desire to live another day to the fullest. And yes, you’ll want to hit repeat right away.

In Stephanie Bettman’s discography, this release feels like a natural progression. Her earlier works already showed a love for blending genres, and ‘Out Of The Darkness’ expands on that idea, offering a panoramic view. The artist leads the listener along her own trajectory, refining her sound and broadening her palette. At the same time, she maintains a recognizable personal imprint, which gives her brand a strong sense of cohesion.

For those discovering Stephanie Bettman’s music for the first time, ‘Out Of The Darkness’ will serve as a portal into an honest musical universe. For longtime fans, it’s a refined upgrade, adding new layers of taste, experience, and scope to Bettman’s discography. The album is both light and multi-layered, accessible yet thoughtful. It breathes reality, and it inspires you to keep moving forward.

And yes, mark your calendars for May 5, 2025. This album is worth it. Put it on your wishlist, get your ears ready — it’s going to be warm, loud, and alive.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub