Diane Ward’s Beautiful Ways Revealed

Diane Ward’s new album “Beautiful Ways” is a celebration… in more ways than one.

It seems counter-intuitive that months of chemotherapy – and all that comes with it – would lead to an album called “Beautiful Ways.” It would have made more sense for Diane’s fight against breast cancer during the making of this album to have resulted in a collection of bitter, cynical songs. But “Beautiful Ways” is the opposite: it is vibrant, focused, forward-looking, and soaring.

” ‘Beautiful Ways’ is a fearlessly joyful 10-song collection…” – Ben Crandell, SouthFlorida.com

People familiar with Diane’s long reign as one of Florida’s most lauded singer-songwriters aren’t that surprised. Year after year, she has been unstoppable and consistent in her craft. As different as all of her 5 albums are, they share the same fastidious dedication to quality. Songs that are are both deep and catchy. Lyrics that are personal without being self-serving. Self-examining with humility, not self-absorption.

Ultimately, while it’s the songs that matter most, it helps to have a voice that literally sears into the hearts of her audiences.

Diane’s voice is the Hanzo sword of her genre – a weapon that can at times seem delicate and beautiful – and at other times can incomparably cut through a song. On the title track, “Beautiful Ways”, her voice sounds vital and pure, despite her mild, distinctive rasp. In the chorus of “Satellite”, when she says “damn”, it hits you like a punch.

“Beautiful Ways” – as triumphant as it is – is not without its moments of uncertainty. At the beginning of “Motorcade”, Diane’s voice is soft and inviting as it builds to the refrain “everything will be all right, a change could do us good” – posed as much as a question as a statement. When she sings “smile” in “Georgia Rain”, you can hear she’s not smiling. “Sobering Days” and “Down to the Floor” have the listener swimming in the human condition – observing love and life from the outside.

Sung by another singer, with lesser arrangements, some of these songs might have come across quite a bit darker. But the conviction and authenticity of her delivery, and the ever-building arrangements, give even the darker songs a fighting edge and palpable optimism.

Co-produced and recorded by her longtime guitarist Jack Shawde, masterfully mixed by John Merchant (Mika, Celine Dion, Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, & Lenny Kravitz), and mastered by Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering Studios (Nirvana, Madonna, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Incubus, Nine Inch Nails, Sarah McLachlan, & Rascal Flatts), Diane’s voice is given it’s rightful prominence over textures of guitars, pianos, percussion and even a flugelhorn. The production and sound quality of “Beautiful Ways” are gorgeous.

Throughout her long career, Diane’s songs have been placed in television and films; and have been played on countless radio stations. One song charting at number one & another in the top 10 on Sirius radio. She’s won numerous awards and recognition for her songwriter and vocals. These achievements along with touring throughout the US have built Diane a devoted nationwide following far outside of her hometown of Hollywood, Florida.

As for “Beautiful Ways,” the celebration is just starting.