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  • Kaitlyn Nicole

Album Review: "Darkness to a Fairytale" - Scharliina


Scharliina Darkness to a Fairytale Album Cover Art Photo

24-year-old Finnish Singer/Songwriter, Producer, Actress and Model, Scharliina has finally released her highly anticipated debut album, "Darkness to a Fairytale". Featuring 8 tracks that span across the transition from dark to light, "Darkness to a Fairytale" is tuned to the healing frequencies of 528hz and 432hz, vibrations that are scientifically proven to benefit your mental and physical health.


TRACKLIST

Running

Little Girl

Beauty and the Beast

Maybe

Pieces of me

11:11

Paradigm

Fairytale


Scharliina has always had a natural gravitation towards the spotlight. The multi-talented artist started modeling, acting and singing around the age of 11 years old. She participated in musical theatre growing up, and attended a high school for the arts. As a teenager she began dabbling in TV and film, as well as did her first catwalk as a model at the age of 16 years old and began doing commercials. One of her most notable acting roles was in the 2024 Netflix original movie, "The Abyss" which was the No. 1 streamed movie within it's release week. In 2021, she started posting covers of herself singing on YouTube and officially released her first original single, "Running". Throughout the past few years, Scharliina has continued to release singles, which are all included within this album. The concept of "Darkness to a Fairytale" is the journey that Scharliina has taken not only as a growing artist, but within her own personal healing. Starting with her first single, the darkness, and ending with one of her most recent singles, the light, we get to witness a powerfully stunning story from beginning to finish.


*TRIGGER WARNING*

There are songs on this album that touch on very sensitive topics.


Running


The album starts with where it all began; with Scharliina's debut single from 2021, "Running". It really shows this dark place that Scharliina used to be in, and is a relatable song for anyone out there who has struggled with depression. "Running" is about when you don't know who you are, and you feel like no matter how hard you try you just get father and farther away from being your true self. Not feeling like yourself brings on this deep type of sadness that is really hard to get out of. The lyrics in "Running" also show just how important of a role music and songwriting played while Scharliina was going through this difficult time. This song features heavy emphasis on piano, and surprises you with a hip-hip inspired beat and groove.



Little Girl


"Little Girl" was written for Scharliina's non-profit organization, the Little Girl Project, a charity that works to protect children from sexual abuse. "Little Girl" is not only a very personal song for Scharliina who grew up with her own hardships, but it gives a voice to all those little girls out there who can't speak up for themselves. "Little Girl" brings awareness to a very serious issue that doesn't get enough relief. It's a painful song to listen to, but it's supposed to be. If it makes you uncomfortable, then it's doing it's job because nobody should have to go through the things that Scharliina sings about in this song. "Little Girl" made such a big impact, that it topped the iTunes charts in Finland, surpassing global superstar and one of Scharliina's favorite artists, Ed Sheeran.



Beauty and the Beast


"Beauty and the Beast" is Scharliina's most recent single release which is meant to bring awareness to domestic violence. Like "Little Girl", this song is based on a very personal true story, one that Scharliina hopes help survivors find hope and shed's light on the very critical crisis that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men face each day. "Beauty and the Beast" is a tragically beautiful song. Even though there is heavy emphasis on the lyricism, the instrumentation manages to have a cenematic tone without overpowering the message. Scharliina's raw, conversational vocals paired with the lyrics are heartbreaking but very powerful once you realize this is a song to reassure all the survivors out there that you made the right choice to leave. If you watch the video below, it ends with the simple but strong note, "Abuse Is Not Love".


If you or someone you love needs help, please visit www.thehotline.org for resources.



Maybe


Next we have "Maybe", a hopeful cenematic ballad for anyone out there who has inner battles with themselves and needs a reminder than they can overcome whatever they may be going through. Scharliina wrote this song while going through recovery for an eating disorder, and it holds a lot of deep meaning. "Maybe" is meant to make listeners feel empowered to rise up and face their issues head on. It's a reminder that you are strong, and to never give up. This song is filled with beautiful strings, heavy drums and layers of heavenly vocals, making it an ethereal, cathartic experience that really touches the heart. I could see this song being a theme song for a movie trailer because of just how powerful and stunning it's soundscape is.



Pieces of me


"Pieces of me", like "Little Girl", is another song dedicated to the survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Joining forces with the non-profit organization, Protect Children, 50% of all profits made from this song are donated to the charity in support of aiding survivors in their healing journeys. "Pieces of me" is a highly emotional, yet gentle song that shines a bright light on such a serious issue we have in this world. I highly suggest watching the video, which features quotes throughout from real-life survivors. I'm not gonna lie, you might want to grab a box of tissues for this one. Scharliina's voice stands out differently in this song; she sings with a certain type of softness that really makes you feel the hurt and trauma that comes along with the words she's singing. The last line of the song feels like a dagger going straight through your heart. Listen to see what I mean.



11:11


Going into "11:11" from the other tracks, it's like a flip switches. The whole mood and vibe changes and it stands out immediately with it's acoustic guitar based sound. I think this is the part of the album where we transition into the light, or the fairytale side of things. Out of all the songs so far, "11:11" sounds the most raw, lo-fi, and stripped-down. Other than some reverb, this song is so naturally heavenly to listen to. The number or the time 11:11 is associated with angels, and is considered a good sign if you see these numbers often. Have you ever heard someone say "It's 11:11, make a wish"? That's because many believe there's magic behind the number 11:11, and that your wishes may just come true. It's also associated with protection, and is a reminder that you are on the right path.



Paradigm


Moving on to "Paradigm", we hear a lot of optimism and self-empowerment as Scharliina sings of breaking free from an unhealthy pattern. She finally feels stronger and happier with where she is headed in life at this point in the story. She's able to leave that darkness in the past, break out of that negative cycle she was in with herself and move towards something more positive. "Paradigm" is such a pop bop hit with uplifting lyrics, some hip-hop influence to it's beat and an EDM influenced production style. The vibe is a bit reminiscent of The Chainsmokers, specifically their songs "Closer" and "Something Just Like This".



Fairytale


Of course, closing out "Darkness to a Fairytale", we have the song "Fairytale". Let me tell you, what a perfect, beautiful way to conclude this project. The closure you feel when you listen to this song is so satisfying, and I bet Scharliina felt the same way when she was writing this. Self-love is such an important thing to have, and hearing Scharliina sing about having hope for a bright future and being able to love herself makes me so incredibly happy. There are a lot of lines in this song that can be uses as daily mantras and affirmations to remind yourself that you are strong and that you've got this whole life thing in the bag. Don't let what has happened in the past prevent you from enjoying what is yet to come. Mixed with a little afro-beat rhythm, "Fairytale" takes a gentle and ethereal approach to finally letting go and letting yourself heal.



Scharliina's goal as an artist is to help others heal through her music; and I think she's doing just that with her album "Darkness to a Fairytale". Hearing Scharliina's story through her art not only helps others feel like they're not alone in their own struggles, but sheds light on serious issues that need to be addressed within our society. Scharliina uses vulnerability, raw emotion and honesty to create these lyrics and soundscapes that grasp at your heartstrings and make you want to take a stand. Even if you personally haven't been through what Scharliina has been through, you're able to put yourself in her shoes; and if you have been through any of these situations, you can use these songs as your own to relate to. Scharliina purposely tuned each of these songs to 528hz or 432hz, the frequencies that are scientifically proven to improve your overall health. She didn't just make this album to heal herself, she made this album to heal you; and what an incredible, selfless person she is to think of others before herself like that. Make sure to follow Scharliina below to keep up with what she's up to and what's yet to come.


Written By Kaitlyn Nicole


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*Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

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