Michellar arrives at SongWeb as an artist shaped by reflection, patience, and a clear love for storytelling. From San Francisco, Michellar’s debut album, ‘REVERIE …FROM THEN TILL NOW,’ released January 2, 2026, marks a significant first chapter. This record is written with sincerity, emotional clarity, and artistic bravery. Since beginning their musical journey in October 2024, Michellar has developed quickly, and this album beautifully captures that growth.
Rooted in folk traditions and influenced by Latin sounds, the album echoes the spirit of Peter, Paul, and Mary, James Taylor, and Carole King, while staying distinctly Michellar. With collaborator Tobias Wilson shaping the sound, the album feels intimate yet polished. It features warm acoustic instrumentation, gentle arrangements, and thoughtful production that always support the song.
With a special appeal like no other, “It’s Another Year” opens the album with a gentle meditation on time and renewal. Michellar’s vocals are calm and effortless, expressing acceptance rather than celebration. The song reflects on survival, growth, and the quiet bravery of continuing. The sparse instrumentation lets the lyrics breathe, setting a reflective tone for the entire album. I loved this opening song for all the right reasons; from performance to production, it was all on point!
The second track, “Running Wild” (featuring Harrison Black), allows the album to expand. This track explores freedom, restlessness, and the pull between independence and connection. Harrison Black’s feature adds texture and contrast, creating a breathtaking track with gorgeous vocals and enchanting soundscapes that lure listeners into a beautiful musical world. His performance feels spontaneous yet controlled, with a melodic drive hinting at folk-rock roots.
Now, “Intersection” (Tobias Wilson) offers a contemplative pause in the album. This song captures a moment of choice: emotional, spiritual, or personal. The vocal delivery is restrained but expressive, supported by subtle production details. This song feels like standing still at a crossroads, listening to your breath before deciding where to go next. It’s an immersive track with nice melodies and rhythms that engage you right from the start.
As one of the album’s most intimate tracks, “Promise” is built on sincerity. Vocally, Michellar leans into warmth and vulnerability, allowing imperfections to add emotional weight. This song speaks of commitment, not grand gestures, but the kind of promises made quietly and kept daily. This song is captivating, with heartfelt singing that actually crowns the entire music. Michellar has offered an outstanding composition with this.
Featuring Helen Walford, nostalgia flows softly through this track. Titled “September,” it reflects on memory, change, and the ache of moments slipping away. Helen Walford’s vocals are alluring, while her harmonies add a tender melancholy, blending beautifully with the song. The instrumentation feels autumnal, understated, and rich in emotion. With genuine folk warmth, this is a soothing song to listen to.
Moving on, “We Both Can Fall” (featuring Gracie Lou) delves into shared vulnerability and mutual surrender. Instead of portraying love as only strength, Michellar acknowledges fragility as a bond. Gracie Lou’s feature brings softness and emotional balance, making the track feel like a shared confession rather than a solo statement. Gracie Lou’s voice is heavenly, and her performance is satisfying; she hits the right notes and sends goosebumps all over you.
A quiet act of self-assertion, “Never Say Sorry” balances resilience with reflection. Michellar’s vocal performance is confident yet kind, suggesting growth without bitterness. The arrangement remains clean and focused, reinforcing the song’s emotional clarity. This song is something else for me; from the vocals to the instruments, everything seems purposefully and beautifully made.
Storytelling takes center stage here in the eighth track. Titled “The Letter,” this song unfolds like a personal note never meant to be read aloud, rich with emotional depth. Michellar’s phrasing is deliberate, pulling you into every word. This is one of the album’s most cinematic moments. By the end, it seems Michellar is sort of pouring her heart out through her soft vocals. I simply can’t get enough of this lovely tune.
As the title track, “Reverie” captures the spirit of the album. Dreamlike and introspective, it floats between memory and imagination. The production is especially captivating here, with layered textures creating an immersive experience without overshadowing the vocals. Michellar has an incredible voice that puts you at liberty to fully immerse yourself in the song. It’s such an interesting listen.
The album’s tenth track, “Get Me There to Church” (featuring Helen Walford and Harrison Black), mixes spiritual longing with human vulnerability. Rather than preaching, it asks questions, seeking guidance, grounding, and grace. The collaborative vocals feel communal, almost hymn-like, reinforcing the song’s emotional sincerity. The soundscape is quite interesting and has that resonant quality that kind of enhances the emotions in the vocals. On the album, this is a song that invites you to become a part.
The last but one, “Conquer All with Love” (Duet featuring Harrison Black and Christina Rntd), is a hopeful declaration based on tenderness; this duet emphasizes unity and compassion. The back-and-forth between voices is balanced and emotionally resonant, making the message feel earned rather than idealistic. The song is uplifting, charming, and warm in a way that brings joy to your spirit. In every lyric and moment of the song, it expresses the shining. This song is suitable to draw anyone in with the tender feelings of love.
Closing the album, “The Star,” feels like a blessing. It looks outward and upward, suggesting hope, direction, and quiet faith in what lies ahead. Michellar’s vocal delivery here is especially moving—soft, steady, and full of resolve. Also, listening to her harmonies and countermelodies as they penetrate the soul is a true treat.
The production of “Reverie… From Then Till Now” is thoughtful and straightforward. Tobias Wilson’s guidance is clear in the album’s restraint: acoustic foundations, gentle harmonies, and carefully chosen textures that support the songs without overshadowing them. The instrumentation leans toward folk and singer-songwriter styles, with subtle modern touches that keep the album feeling fresh while maintaining intimacy.
This album is more than a debut; it signifies the arrival of an artist who understands the power of patience, storytelling, and emotional honesty. “Reverie… From Then Till Now” is an album to listen to, revisit, and grow alongside. Michellar doesn’t just write songs; they invite listeners into moments of reflection, acceptance, and quiet transformation. This album is a must-listen. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, the musical arrangements are perfect, and the vocals take the listening experience to a whole new level. This is an infectious album, and it’s going to be listened to again and again after the first time.
Listen to the “Reverie… From Then Till Now” on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/2pJMUQ2zr5DqtEcXQorFFD?si=h6ehZZdyQzi1913jZq8gDA
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