'When I was writing the songs on this album, I felt I was experiencing a kind of quantum leap or personal gestalt. There were so many breakthroughs that happened to me personally, emotionally, musically, & spiritually. And I am a person that is all about breaking barriers. That's why I chose to call it Smashing the Ceiling.'

This 2005 release showcases Magdalen's ethereal yet awakening voice on songs such as 'Mary Magdalene' and 'Change the World.' 'Several people have asked why I chose to write a song about one of the most controversial figures in Biblical history. 'Mary Magdalene' is both an autobiographical song about my life as well as a blend of various biblical mythologies about Mary Magdalene. I think she is one of the most iconic, provocative, loved, hated, and mysterious women in history. Yet her story has been misinterpreted through the centuries, so I felt it was time to help redefine her story in a more positive light. 'Change the World' is a tour de force call for consciousness in the ways we see ourselves collectively and individually. 'Throughout my life I have encountered many situations where in order to achieve my goals, I had to challenge and break through my own preconceived ideas, doubts, and fears to succeed. The song is a reminder that anytime we are able to have such a breakthrough, we create a ripple effect around us that can inspire.'

Other noteworthy moments on the album are songs about love, loss, identity, and reckoning such as the shimmeringly heartbreaking 'Sweet Hereafter,' the iridescent, quintessential, breakup song 'Everything,' the sublime, deliciously troubled 'All Those Words,' the pop-driven 'I am' of 'No Ordinary Girl,' to soulful art-country-tinged love songs like 'Where Would I Be' & 'Straight on Til Morning.' Two of the most smashing moments on the album are 'Northern Light' and 'Take Me There.' ''Northern Light' is literally this moment on the record where the 'ceiling' is musically-metaphorically broken' says Magdalen. 'And I believe 'Take Me There' encompasses some of my strongest singing on the album.'