Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of tragedy, Autum Letendre has experienced the kind of loss that is incomparable when she lost her husband Brian in Iraq in 2006. Rather than sit there in profound grief, Autumn poured that grief into her music and has now turned a new leaf as a performer and singer/songwriter that’s also a well-known public speaker. 

On her self-issued debut album Raise Your Flag, Autumn immediately shows off a strong voice that recalls Natalie Merchant in many places. The title track is a hopeful patriotic tune that really should become the torchbearer for patriotic American songs and while Autumn sings it quite well I would’ve loved to hear Autumn’s voice higher in the mix like the first two tracks on the record. I can also see an artist like a Rascal Flatts or a Tim McGraw recording the song somewhere down the line, if it's not a hit for Autumn first.

“When Tears Fall” is a song that anyone who is wrapped in the grief of losing a loved one will relate to. It’s a powerful song as is “From Blue To Gold.”  “Yellow Ribbon” is a sweet duet with Nate Wade while “Bow Your Head” serves as a story from Mother to son about how he can still have his departed father by his side. 

“Daddy Love You” is a sweet ballad about a marine who is deployed and how the family makes do while he’s gone while the album closer “Welcome Home” serves as just that, a welcome home tune of thanks and love from the folks who get to live free thanks to the selflessness of service members everywhere.

Autumn Letendre may never become a mainstream country star but that doesn’t mean this album isn’t any good. Quite the contrary, it’s a strongly written album with strong vocals and solid production and is most certainly worth seeking out.

Buy: CD from Autumn

Read More: Artist Spotlight: Autumn Letendre

Watch: Raise Your Flag Video