Madison Cunningham Ace

Critic's Take

The best songs on Ace are Shore, Skeletree and My Full Name, which showcase Madison Cunningham’s shift to piano-led, impressionistic arrangements and crystalline vocals. Shore stands out for its delicate opening and Joni Mitchell-esque vocal leaps that bloom into woodwinds and cymbals. Skeletree brings the gritty, guitar-led momentum fans of Revealer will appreciate. My Full Name, the lead single, highlights intimate art-pop moments and is repeatedly flagged as a must-hear.

Key Points

• Shore’s delicate vocals and orchestration make it the album’s most striking track.
• Ace’s core strengths are piano-led arrangements, crystalline vocals and tasteful orchestration that supports rather than overwhelms melodies.

Themes

Critic's Take

The best songs on Ace are led by "Skeletree," "Break The Jaw," and "My Full Name," which showcase Madison Cunningham’s range from alt-rock intensity to intimate piano balladry. "Skeletree" ranks as a top track for its chugging percussion and octave-leaping vocals, while "Break The Jaw" is praised for its exciting arrangement and emotional punch. "My Full Name" is highlighted as a reclamation-of-identity single, soft and hopeful. For listeners searching for the best tracks on Ace or best songs on Ace, these selections underscore the album’s strengths in storytelling and dynamic arrangements.

Key Points

• “Skeletree” is the best song for its intensity, rhythmic drive, and octave-leaping vocal peak.
• Ace’s core strengths are storytelling through arrangements and emotional honesty across quiet piano ballads and loud alt-rock moments.

Themes

Critic's Take

For listeners searching for the best songs on Ace, Madison Cunningham's "Shore," "My Full Name," and "Wake" stand out as the album's emotional centers. The best songs on Ace showcase Cunningham's shift to piano-focused arrangements and more direct, affecting melodies. "Shore" and "My Full Name" are highlighted as especially direct and emotionally affecting, while "Wake" (with Fleet Foxes) is called a stunner. These tracks exemplify why Ace is often described as a mature, balanced follow-up to Revealer.

Key Points

• "Shore" is the best song due to its directness and emotional impact highlighted by the reviewer.
• Ace's core strengths are piano-centered arrangements, intimate songwriting, and tasteful orchestration.

Themes

Critic's Take

Best songs on Ace include “Skeletree,” “Mummy,” and “My Full Name,” which showcase Madison Cunningham’s chamber-pop grandeur and incisive songwriting. Skeletree stands out for its climactic strings and raw shouted line, while Mummy pairs whimsical lullaby music with piercing lyrics. My Full Name is the lead single and melodic anchor, though the review finds it slightly simpler than the album’s more intricate tracks. Ace rewards close listening, revealing sophisticated time signature shifts and orchestral arrangement throughout.

Key Points

• “Skeletree” is the best song because of its dramatic build and emotionally raw shouted climax.
• The album’s core strengths are its chamber-pop arrangements and sophisticated, unconventional songwriting.

Themes