This Album Changed My Life: Danielle Todd on ‘Pieces Of You’ by Jewel

Canadian Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Danielle Todd released her new single Heat of the Moment back in February. The track was her first release since the 2020 release of her high-impact single Backburner, which made Top 20 on the KIX Country Charts and #23 on the Music Network Hottest 50 Charts. Her preceding single, Crazy made similar strides with a Top 20 seat on the KIX Country Charts, additionally reaching #37 on the Music Network Hottest 50 Charts.

Heat of the Moment (co-written with Nashville based Brooke Maruska) is an up-tempo, pop country song that sums up what it means to be young and carefree, caught up in the joys of living. With lyrics about seizing the moment and staying wild, Heat of the Moment begins introspective and nostalgic before picking up momentum. 

To get to know Danielle a little better, we asked her to tell us about an album that has changed her life.

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Danielle Todd on Jewel's Pieces Of You:

In February 1995, Pieces of You was released by Jewel. It changed who I am as a person, a singer and a writer.

I vividly remember being in my room listening to the track I’m sensitive, and singing it over and over to my sold-out crowd of stuffed animals. After the 100th time, I ran downstairs, CD booklet in hand and gave it to my dad. I asked, “She says, ‘Be careful with me, I’m sensitive and I’d like to stay that way.’ What does that mean?” My dad explained to me what it meant to be sensitive, and how it was important to have empathy for others. “Cool!” I replied and ran back upstairs and sang it just a little softer, trying to really “feel” the words as I sang them. I was 5.

There’s nothing quite like listening to an album that you obsessed over, and re-visited your entire life. During my first breakup, I’d listen to Foolish Games, on repeat and I truly felt like my own heart was “bleeding,” just like Jewel said. I’m now married with a husband, a house, and a hound dog. I re-visited this album today and said, “Hey, Morning Song, reminds me of us.” 

From Adrian, a story of a boy who went into a coma after being in a boating accident, to Little Sister, about a girl addicted to drugs, to one of Jewel’s biggest hits, You Were Meant For Me, a classic breakup song, she knows how to craft words together to tell a story and pull an emotion out of you.

Not only did I always hope to one day tell a story as brilliantly as Jewel did, but I also learned from her lyrics how to be a good person. Although Hands, was on her second album, I still remember listening to those lyrics and realizing how important it is to always be kind, because you just never know what someone may be struggling with.

I’ll always value her albums and circle back to them. Every time I listen to them, I notice something new. Her music truly shaped me into the woman I am today, and I am forever grateful for her.

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For more of our This Album Changed My Life series, go here.
 And keep up to date with Danielle Todd and follow her on Facebook here.