Press & Reviews

Lyricist, singer, and songwriter MaryAnn Stefanik has been a lifelong lover of music. MaryAnn has several releases under her belt, including the albums A Rose…Is a Rose…Is a Rose (2006) and Transparent (2017), along with several single releases as well. Now, she’s back with another single in her signature rock style. The Outsider showcases the highlights of MaryAnn’s music and gives us a glimpse into her memorable sound.

Opening with driving guitars and intense percussion, The Outsider is full of energy from start to finish. It has a refined modern sound, well blended but not overly complex, allowing the story at hand to be the star of the show. And as a result, MaryAnn’s vocals are no doubt at the center of this track, her smoky and refined tone bringing authenticity into the mix.

The lyrics are another high point of this production. In this track, we’re told the story of “the outsider” and his ability to triumph over all others walking a more traditional path. MaryAnn utilizes a mix of straightforward imagery and poetic flair to convey the message:

“People are resilient win draw or lose
the places are decided by who is who is who
There really is no telling what your opponent may do
You been dealt the hand now you must see it through”

Fun, confident, and vibrant – MaryAnn has a distinctive and artistic sound. Her work on this single The Outsider is energetic, engaging, and sure to win fans. Stream this single for yourself below, or look for it on the upcoming Bongo Boy Records compilation album Kryp II Knight Volume III, as well as in an upcoming episode of The Bongo Boy Rock n Roll TV Show Series.

MaryAnn goes for a sprawling, expansive trip with “The Outsider”. With volume as an absolute must everything about the sound has an arena filling quality to it. Nods towards classic rock groups like the Doors there is a windswept quality to it. Tempos are brought to their absolute breaking point for they race across with hardly a single stop to it. Vocals prove to be of the essence, as they have a commanding presence one that draws the listener into their own unique world.

              From the first hit of the drums they waste not a moment. After that initial blast they continue to rush through without holding anything back at all. Guitars feature the right degree of fuzz to them and they help to ensure that the whole experience is dream-like with a wildness to it. Elements of even shoegaze’s harsher side emerge throughout. By keeping things relatively brisk the song gains a degree of thoughtfulness to it. They incorporate a lot within the sound too for they sidestep trends to explore a spirit that feels inherently timeless. Lyricism too features a degree of depth to it for it too shares a degree of universality to it, as the word choice cuts to the very bone. For the finale they finally truly let it rip in a cathartic race to the finish.

              “The Outsider” features a bit of power to it, showing off MaryAnn’s ability to tell a story in a way that feels highly compassionate. This single shall be featured on the upcoming Kryp II Knight Volume III by Various Artists alongside many equally fantastic artists as well as a multi-artist album coming this Summer 2022 on Bongo Boy Records.

“The Grouch Magazine - Sweden John Niendorf January 2018 - Maryann – Hips, Lips & Eyes 3:13 – Good God, I dig Country with a sense of humor. The song starts out with a Country vibe, before going into a Jerry Lee Lewis type of 50s Rock and Roll. The old-school horns in the background totally rock! Man, I hope those cats are wearing fedoras and shades. The thing that gets me are the lyrics. Ok, ok, Maryann does indeed sing well, in fact the song would suck if she didn’t, but what I really like is this is an old-time seduction manual. I want to hang with Maryann!” 

“The Grouch Magazine - Sweden John Niendorf January 2018 - Maryann – Transparent World 2:57 – Maryann is back, and I am really digging the guitar intro. Those chords rock. Then her voice comes in and BOOM, there it is, ROCK N ROLL. The drums are heavy; the man knows how to pound. The guitar just lays down chord after chord in an excellent riff. I am not sure if this is a religious song, but in all honesty, I could not care less. She could be singing Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows for all I care. The music and her voice are incredible. I still want to hang with Maryann!” 

“Maryann – HITF 060617 3:50 – Maryann is back again. Man, this band just does not quit. This time out they are showing that they can play Pop tracks as well. The thing is that this is really good Pop, that could be an earworm. I have come to the conclusion that Maryann is simply a very talented and versatile band whom I really would like to see in person. Any chance you will be in Sweden this summer?” 

“The Grouch Magazine - Maryann – Life – “Thank You” 2:46 – Maryann, I am really becoming a huge fan! The bass intro is ultracool. The vocals are gritty and emotionally intense. This could be, quite easily, the best song Maryann has on the album. Excellent work!" 

MaryAnn, sings with so much honesty and genuine emotion - you can hear it on every song. This woman really cares about what she is singing . Her wonderful, rich , full bodied voice completely draws you in to her world. The songs on the album really touched me - particularly, 'Life (Thank You)' with its terrific chorus and very strong emotional delivery, the title track 'Transparent World' - very powerful, strong delivery , the playful 'Hips, Lips and Eyes'' to the very classic, sophisticated 'Rosebud' - so many wonderful songs! Shakespeare wrote 'If music be the food of love, play on...' so MaryAnn, please, PLAY ON! Thank You!!! 

A Rose…Is a Rose…Is a Rose is an album of powerful, driving ballads. Presented from a strong female perspective, it is a real joy to hear Mary Ann bare herself in the personal and impactful way she has on this beautiful collection. The songs have catchy acoustic guitar riffs, and the added fullness of Mr. Jay Leslie’s saxophone work. A Rose…Is a Rose…Is a Rose has a classic Kim Carnes style of soulful singing with a rock feel, and is a joy to listen to. Highly recommended!