In the current music terrain we are living in, a lot of music is somewhat formulaic and redundant which explains my hate type feelings with a lot of our current music. With the exceptions of some artists, nothing has been really moved me musically.
Those feelings somewhat shifted when I discovered my new favorite thing, the beautiful UK based songbird Lianne La Havas. I was first introduced to Havas’ music with the title track from her EP Lost & Found. What instantly became evident from what I was listening to was not only did she have a beautiful voice; she also was able to evoke a mood or feeling through the lyrics in which she sang.
With her sublime debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough? Havas has managed to create both a beautiful/honest album, as well as a shining debut. The lyrics that Havas sings throughout the album seem to come from real life experiences, which is something that she believes an artist should always do. In an interview with blog, Just Another Magazine, Havas said, “I’ve always felt that it was easier to write about something that had actually happened. For me, the music I’ve always enjoyed making was when I could talk about my feelings in song form. It perhaps turns a bad situation into a happier thing because you’re singing it.”
The album opens with “Don’t Wake Me Up,” which instantly draws listeners into the rest of the album. Havas captivates listeners with layered vocals that introduce the song with minimal production that eventually builds throughout the track. The lyrics of the song are beautiful, “they say some things are better left unsaid, but I’d take my life to stay in your bed.” The song is followed by the title track, “Is Your Love Big Enough?” Despite popular belief, this track is not about a boy; it’s about really having just a great time. Within the lyrics, Havas speaks about dancing until she’s a sober, screaming and second hand guitar.
For “Au Cinema,” Havas creates a song based on her and her lover making a movie – not that kind of movie for those of you with your minds in the gutter. Despite having a somewhat whimsical like vibe, the song also addresses the reality that relationships really can’t be like a movie – there’s no pause, or rewind. With “Elusive,” Havas recreates a classic Scott Matthews song and gives it her own beautiful rendition. The richness in her vocals, works very well throughout the song as she draws you in.
With “Tease Me,” Havas speaks essentially of a jaded lover needing to move on and attempting to find the strength to do so. With lyrics that say, “I never know what I want, what I need/ So I think it’s best you stay away from me/ Cause I hate the way you tease me, I am not lonely I’m alright/ But you sure don’t make it easy to show my hand and say goodnight.” The lyrics of the song are beautiful, and her vocal performance drives home the vulnerable intent of the song. The album ends with “They Could Be Wrong,” which makes for an impressive album closure and a definite highlight on the album. The production on the song, only adds to the overall appeal of the song, not to mention the flawless vocal performance that Havas provides listeners with.
Havas has managed to create a great debut album. Clearly, there has to be something in the water overseas because people from the UK are dominating with their form of soul music. Great album from start to finish – literally, from start to finish. Definitely a must have project in every music lovers possession.
Purchase the album here via ITunes .
