Similarly to her other albums the self-titled 'Lianne La Havas' takes on themes of emotion- joy, summer, love and culture; but in different ways. This album is a love-letter not only romantically but a celebration of self-love also. So as usual, this is my first time hearing the album for authenticity. Here were my thoughts:
First track: Lianne's first track is her show-stopper song, designed to be a single. It displays her big voice, showing off her skills as a vocal powerhouse with a strong build up. Lyrically it's more like poetry. For me personally, I think it's more of a grower, I see it doing well in tv series' and movie soundtracks when paired with strong flashing visuals but I struggle to place it, emotionally it doesn't invoke anything in me.
Read My Mind - I'm loving it, it starts with flowery 60's vibes and the structure of the lyrics are fluttery and happy giving the song a bouncy upbeat rhythm. This song is reminiscent of the fun, the delirious spinning colours and brightness of the beginning of a new relationship. The moods in the song are mainly excitement and anticipation expressed in the repetition of 'what you waiting for?' Ending with the keyboard taking it's own solo, scatting across the track.
The third track is one that I'd use study to or have in the background during brunch, it's non-imposing, drifting and easy whereas the next track sees similar beats to her first album. With the strong almost tribal patterns that we know and love so much, 'Can't Fight' has a rhythm that's easy to follow and makes you want to dance to. I think it's probably going to be my favourite track in the album. I'm a sucker for some sweet harmonies and cute themes and whilst that may be the case the next song in the album is the one that really invokes imagery in my mind.
'Paper Thin', admittedly I have heard before, I was drawn in by the guitar opening that is simply irresistible. I like music that makes me feel something, that causes my mind to travel. A good song will make me forget my location, situation, even my name. Just music. That's what this song does. Listening to it I imagine cruising on smooth roads on a warm day, with soft sunlight jumping and peaking in golden bursts through the trees. You can almost feel the light breeze against the hairs on your arms and around the tips of your fingers. The taste of strawberry and lime cider still lingering as you take in the afternoon. Lianne allows the fantasy of this track to slowly fade into the interlude with swirling rounds of harmonies singing words I can't quite hear but is delightful even so.
Like I mentioned before this album is a catalogue of love songs, and in this one she's on the brink of a break up- undecided, unsure, and vocally this is demonstrated in a whispery, hoarser voice. Half way through the track switches to being completely acapella, just vocals. This has such a strong impact in what it represents. Just like her the song is alone suddenly followed by a vibrant guitar solo which I even thought was a separate song I'm not gonna lie. I didn't know what to make of 'Please Don't Make Me Cry' to be honest. It was layered and mysterious in terms of it's melody and structure, still a vibe...I'm just not sure what vibe. Maybe this is a metaphor for the limbo period post-breakup on the path to redefining her identity.
The last three tracks are upbeat and joyous. Yes Lianne you're right, that is a good intro. I'm getting latin vibes in Seven times and brilliant bass. We're hearing more natural sound, more of her laughter and her chatter, more of who she is which is rare on songs nowadays which (not to sound like a boomer) but are basically manufactured for Tik Tok popularity. 'Courage' is another beautifully calming track that brings up imagery of floating rivers in the way she plays. Lianne has a way of playing with such ease and fluidity it almost feels like a safety. Finally we end with a party track. Clapping and laughter with an African beat in the clapping rhythm 1- 2 -3^4^5. In this song she's celebrating herself and her happiness and I'm all the way here for it. I love it.
Overall this album was great, She dips into to different parts of the world for inspiration for her beats and be it African or Latin there is an overall sense of core. Exploring things in its depth and its entirety, be it love at it's core, emotion at it's core, or the sense of self. The lone clapping at the end is completely appropriate, it's an applause you can dance to and with the absolute success and warmth she brings with this artwork she's totally deserving of it all.
Stream 'Lianne La Havas' on Spotify, YouTube, Soundcloud, Deezer and Apple Music.
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