Even before her melodic voice sings a note, the first chords of her “Fight Song” are instantly known. While that song has become an anthem, Rachel Platten is not, nor will ever be, a one-hit wonder. Her willingness to be open, honest, and emote makes her a singer/songwriter who will forever be part of the conversation.
As an artist, woman, and mother, she has advocated for openness, honesty, and expressiveness in her life. While she has a more visible platform than some, it still takes courage to be vulnerable. It is more than her strong spirit anthem, Platten appreciates that life’s peaks and valleys need to be celebrated.
She has revealed her personal postpartum journey, her coming to terms with aging, and even learning to find herself. Although other celebrities might make everyone believe their world is pure perfection, Platten is far from that fictional Pollyanna. A real woman celebrates her fallibility, grit, and everything in between.
Recently, Platten and her “Fight Song” were front and center at Hoda Kotb’s wellness company, Joy 101, launch. It is not the first time that the pair has joined together on stage. During a Today Making Spaces Wellness Weekend, Platten celebrated Kotb’s joy and her ability to energize the people around her.
While everyone joined in with her rousing performance, that moment is just one of many examples of how Platten touches people with her music. The event might have spread joy and fostered that emotion, but Platten encourages self-reflection and acceptance.
At a performance during her recent tour, the audience was varied from moms with daughters, girlfriends, and even a few date nights. While there was plenty of singing, dancing, laughter, and more, it was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of community.
The heart of what makes Rachel Platten’s music resonate with people of all ages and demographics is that honest message. While her songs share her journey, her willingness to express those emotions so that others can feel less alone is heartwarming. Even though she did not use these words in the moment, the feeling of never being alone is always present.
While the music industry emphasizes catchy beats, flashy dance numbers, a picture-perfect moments, the true value of a celebrated musician is one that can push beyond the superficial. Yes, Platten has upbeat tunes like her Michael Bolton collaboration "Caroline," but those lyrics are just as vital as the faster-paced rhythm. Her fans appreciate that no matter a person’s mood or vibe, Platten’s music can fill the silence and bring them back to center.
Whether people play “Stand By You” at their wedding or belt “Girls” with their friends, Rachel Platten’s music is part of the American songbook and deserves to be played on repeat.