Wonderland is an album chock full of musical reflections on personal growth—spiritual, mental, and emotional. It’s about finding freedom in learning to love the Self, focusing on the good, seeing possibility, moving through obstacles and out the other side. And yet the greatest “wonder” of “Wonderland” is that it is never preachy, pushy, or dogmatic, but always an easy ride–tasty, poetic, gentle, and wise. Lezli’s vocals are truly lovely. Smooth and soothing, they give the listener a laid-back reassurance that it’s all gonna be all right.
The opening song, “Going all in” sets the theme with bright, upbeat instrumentals and lyrics about total commitment to moving forward with grace and strength. “Strong Girl” is an anthem to the power of the feminine to overcome anything (‘you got this!’), and “Jump in the Stream” encourages us to get addicted to the joys of letting go and following the generous flow of life.
The title track, “Wonderland,” takes us on a journey—away from the noise of the world to a quiet inner place where we can be restored and find ourselves again, while the contemplative, “The Goodness that Is” reminds us that with a “fairy tail heart and positive mind,” we will find the wonder of grace all around and the goodness inside.
Fun and funky, “Deepak on a Yacht” is a humorous and entertaining vision of the abundant life—all the luxuries that money can buy, hanging out with Oprah, Gates, Rockefeller—all by saying “Yes!” to every infinite possibility!
“On Guard,” a love letter to the self acknowledging the ‘armor’ we accumulate in childhood and claiming the strength to finally surrender, was a standout for me, as was the haunting, “Good Night.” Orchestrated with acoustic strings (cello, violins, viola), it is a gentle tribute of loss and tender release of a loved one to “the other side.” Moving and beautiful.
All songs on the album were co-written by Lezli Goodwin and Jack Howell, who also played guitars, keyboard, percussion ad backing vocals. Discover the “wonders” of “Wonderland.”