I was introduced to Jonny Carroll's debut album 'Leaving On The Light' set to be released on the 17th June and after listening to a single song I couldn't wait to tell you guys what I think. The US singer has created a wonderful folk album with pop hooks. The album is heart-breakingly beautiful. Written at the time when the artist was struggling with a broken engagement, you can hear in his songs the pain that he's suffered and how he's struggled.
The seven track album demonstrates Jonny Carroll opening up about his feelings whether that's at the beginning of a relationship with 'Sound of Falling' with lyrics like 'I was gone as soon as you saw it in my eyes, its the sound of falling in love' which is an incredibly romantic track. Or a slower and more tear provoking song like 'Words Unspoken' where he sings 'if you've give up hoping just let me believe'. 'February' is definitely my favourite slower track on the album, even though it's upsetting I feel like it's much more heart breaking than the rest as it's talking about the good times in their relationship and how that's now ended, 'just remember February was the best month of my life' and you realise how much pain the singer must be going through.
'Leaving on the Light' is also the name of the single from the album, this a little more upbeat in music than the rest of the album. With a more optimistic approach to lost love and not dealing with it and still wanting to stay loyal to his previous partner, 'throw away those numbers, like you through away our plans'. To me, the song is hoping that they will return with the lyrics, 'I'm staying sober and I'm leaving on the light'. But towards the end of the track it's almost as if they've come to terms with the end of the relationship, 'I'm staying sober and I'm calling it a night - wishing you goodbye'. This is probably my favourite track on the album as I just like the message of the track. The opening track, 'Painted Jars' is another upbeat track on the album with the music. In style its very typical of folk and country music with hand claps and the tone. However, again, the lyrics are still quite sad with lyrics like 'all the broken pieces on the ground'
. 'When I'm Alive' is very guitar driven, and demonstrates well, Jonny Carroll's tone. He uses a very deep and sultry tone with a lot of grit behind it before switching to a much softer and gentler tone. I really like this balance and it suits the song perfectly.
The final track is 'Joshua' and I think this is the perfect end to the album. It's incredibly powerful track, in my opinion, and written beautiful as well as sung wonderfully too. I love the lyric of 'we are puppets clinging to our strings' because I feel like that's how life can get you sometimes too'. I would recommend listening to Jonny Carroll's album, 'Leaving on the Light' when it's released on the 17th June. It's a powerful album, full of heartache and will leave you feel really emotionally if you're anything like me.
Check out Jonny Carroll's lyric video for 'Leaving on the Light' below:
Lánre a british singer songwriter is releasing her latest new EP on the 29th April and I have been fortunately asked to review the album before its release for you guys. The EP is called 'Human' and captures Lánre as an artist beautifully. Each song is incredibly uplifting and inspiring, they also have a dreamlike magical feel to them.
Lánre uses her Yoruba heritage to influence her soulful style, with captivating storytelling and an acoustic feel to her songs, she definitely stands out in a crowd of music. The opening and title track of the EP, Human sounds more synthesized than the rest of the EP probably with a lot more production. 'Making the same mistakes over and over again, hoping that somehow it'll work out in the end', is the opening lyrics and the rest of the song talks about the bad things happening to make things better, with 'we're all broken so that the light can come in' being sung almost like an anthem throughout the song. Though it's a very delicate song until the bridge Lánre has such a silky voice that you get enticed in with.
Fire is next - which is probably my favourite - it starts more acoustic and folky than the previous song which is definitely more my cup of tea, It just sounds more authentic and natural to me, and its more moody, with lyrics like 'nothing lasts forever' and 'I did my best 'til the very end' it's very encouraging for you to do the same. The song has a much more moodier feel like I said before with the beats that it uses and Lánre lower tone being used throughout.
Dreams is very much dreamlike in sound and sounds like a daydream with Lánre silky and soft voice, her tone is gorgeous and completely unique to what I'm used to listening to. The song is kept very acoustic until the bridge towards the end when you can hear what sounds almost like a heartbeat, the song gets a bit more intense and grittier.
Finally, the EP ends with My Soul, with what sounds like a choir to open the track, it's a little faster with an acoustic guitar being picked at. 'You can't break my soul' is sung throughout the song again inspiring her audiences to 'keep living' and pushing forward to what you want to achieve.
Though the EP is very different to what I would normally listen to, I would recommend to check it out. Each song is very inspiring and makes you want to accomplish something more. Check out Lánre's 'Human' below. You can also preorder the EP here with an instant download of Human.
After a half 5 start this morning, I've literally just got in from work which was followed by a coffee and shopping with my friend, and at twenty past 1 I've sat down to write this review on Joy Oladokun new single, 'Shelter', which has been taken from her upcoming debut album 'Carry' set to be released on the 29th April and I am completely blown away. With little enthusiasm for doing much, from the first note I heard of 'Shelter' I was caught up in her world and her music and couldn't wait to start tapping away at my keyboard to share this talented artist with you.
Starting with a piano and a background vocal, I was captured. Then Joy starts singing and the tone in her voice is smooth and gorgeous, there's no doubt in her ability of being able to take a song and command a room. Showing off her vocal range, Oladokun has one of those voices that make your day feel brighter, simply oozing talent with just her voice. Joy has a classic soulful voice, similar to Emeli Sande meets Tracy Chapman, with so much heart and honesty there it's nice to hear this voice taking on a whole new style of music.
The song is talking to her loved one about giving in and trusting her and promising not to hurt them like they've been hurt before. It's incredibly optimistic not only in lyrics but also the feel of the music, if it doesn't paint a smile instantly on your face then I'll be incredibly shocked. Describing the song, 'a song I wrote about learning how to receive love, and fighting to give it without reservation'.
She's taken elements from rock music with some of the beats within the song, but tells a story like you'd find in folk/country music with a soulful voice full of honesty, the blend of these three genres is what makes up Joy Oladokun sound. It works incredibly well, and I absolutely love it, with two of my favourite genres having this new link that I've never heard before creating a wonderful pop song. 'Shelter' is such a formidable song, in the way that it's been written, produced and sung, it's also very catchy which I love.
I'm completely in awe of Joy Oladokun and the amount of talent that this lady has, I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of her album now, which she funded herself through a kickstarter campaign. I only wish good things for Joy and the album.
Multi-talented Vanessa Forero has just released her music video for 'Same Boat' a single off her new EP 'From the Uproar' set to be released on the 28th March. The Indie/Folk singer touches on her Latino roots to create a unique sound to her new EP which she wrote and produced herself.
The British/Columbian singer-songwriter has created a foot tapping track with 'Same Boat' a song about how timing is everything. The song still holds an optimistic sound to it, and paints an instant smile upon your face, with the use of playful Latino instruments, Vanessa Forero has got herself a completely unique track. Along with her unique sound, she has a wide range when it comes to her vocals. Quickly changing from high to low and slower paces to faster. This only adds to the fun within the song. It's incredibly well written and produced as well as being catchy.
The music video follows the style of the song, in its quirky feel. Starting out playing to a cut out crowd sat in boat on stage picking at her guitar, with a country bar feel to the atmosphere. Gradually, she is taken by mermaids and transformed into one herself. It's a very fun music video and does the song complete justice.
Listening the rest of 'From the Uproar' the quality in the music is equally as brilliant as 'Same Boat'. All the songs have that Indie/Folk feel to them. 'Heaven Knows' is a little bit more deeper and gives me shivers. It has a very distant feel to it and a darker sound which is the complete opposite to 'Same Boat'.'I'll Be Wrong Again' is a little sweeter sounding. Slower than 'Same Boat' it tells a story about wanting to be brave even if you get it wrong. Completely beautiful in it's own right and showing off Forero's talent. My favourite track on the EP 'Raven' has more of her Columbian influences opposed to the previous track. With a haunting feel to the song, the song is very powerful. The entire EP is incredible. It's beautifully written and produced, and her vocals are gorgeous throughout especially on the final track singing in Spanish for 'Anhela'. Forero has demonstrated on this EP that she can do anything with her music. Check out her EP on the 28th March and you won't be disappointed.
Check out Vanessa Forero's music video for 'Same Boat' below:
I always look forward to being contacted about new music that someone wishes me to promote because it's a chance to discover new artists. Sometimes, it's a matter of appreciating someone's talent but not necessary loving that particular genre of music but yesterday I was contacted about Oktoba a Brighton based singer-songwriter, Chris Athorne, and it's fair to say that his music is very much up my street as a folk pop singer-songwriter. Oktoba debut album is being released on the 29th October so I'd thoug'ht I'd share my thoughts with you on the album 'Smoke Signals' before its released.
First off the entire album is written by Chris Athorne and he has managed to create catchy songs that make you feel good as well as more meaningful and beautiful songs such as 'On My Mind' recorded and produced by Tim Bidwell (Kate Walsh, Jack Watts) at The Clockwork Owl Studio in Brighton, a wonderful album has been created that leaves you wanting to hear more from the young talent. Reminding me of the likes of Ben Howard and Lilygreen and Maguire which are some of my favourite artists, after the first song I was already hooked.
'Smoke Signals' starts off with just music which I feel gives a whole overview of what to expect from the album, starting with a beautiful and delicate sound and then building into the song to something a little faster and upbeat sounding. To me it's a moving on song and leaving your troubles behind and getting on with life. The chorus, Chris shows off his vocal abilities drawing in some power. 'Something New' is so relatable and just a story of life and being able to get on with life despite how little you way have. It's a slow song but with optimism there, it's one of my favourite songs on the album because its just so optimistic and by the end it turns quite upbeat and is almost an anthem about stating over and trying something new.
'Aeroplane' begins with some whistling which is typical of folk music and sounds almost like a daydream. Using strength to his usual delicate tone, Chris Althorne has created a song that sounds very reminiscent and of children optimism which reminds me of home. It's short but sweet. 'On My Mind' is simply beautiful, this is the stand out for me. There's so much passion and emotion being pulled into the song and you can definitely feel that as you listen to the song which makes it all that more special. 'Oh, honey you're on my mind, everyday and night', clearly a man in love fighting to keep the person he loves with him. There is only one word to describe this song and it's gorgeous. I can imagine that this song sounds amazing live and a song that you can just get lost in.
'Run' gave me shivers, just describing life and how it 'ain't like when we were young', the difficulties of growing up. Each song has a lot of depth to it which I really like as well as wonderful song writing. There's lots of rise and fall in 'Run' which makes it incredibly interesting and power behind his voice at the end. 'I'll Be Fine' maybe with a influences from George Ezra in the music Chris' voice claims the song. 'I'm not lost in love, just going blind' definitely a lyric you can relate to if you've ever been in love and having that person beside you through thick and thin.
'Wind Fire Water Stone' adds a female vocalist to the mix which blends well with Chris', both having unique tones to their voices. It definitely sounds a little more country than anything else on the album again a love song and having that special someone in your life and how they support each other. 'Tongue Tied' about losing love and trying to make things work when their falling apart. It's simple and beautiful yet again. Not knowing what to say to each other to make things right. Another stand out track, in my opinion, with its simplicity and how much people will be able to relate to it. Again he draws into his power and passion making you realise how much it means to him.
'Sticks and Stones' is one of my favourite songs on his ten track album, it's a little slower but still incredibly catchy. It has an echo-y sound to it which I always love, it makes the song sound a little breathy and maybe in a little haunting. Reminding a little of Josh Record's album and we all know how much I loved that. I like the lyrics of 'its hard to know when you can't find love'. I think it's just a beautiful lyric and something that I could definitely relate to thinking about previous times in my life. 'You To Me' is similar also and definitely a love song for someone and no matter what happens in that relationship 'I belong to you' they're always their for each other. It's a very comforting song, in my opinion and I love the use of the harmonica as it adds to the folk sound.
If you're looking for something unique and powerful. An album that will make you think but will also be your favourite sit down and relax album, this is the album to go for. With pure talent and a unique sound there is no doubt in my mind we will hear more when Oktoba release 'Smoke Signals' on Thursday. You can pre-order the album here.
Check out Oktoba 'Tongue Tied' Live in Studio below:
I'm a fairly new fan of Phillip Phillips, but when I started working my second job in September I kept hearing this one song, and gradually (as I heard it most days) I began to sing along with it and so I had to find out who it was. The song was Phillip Phillips 'Home', and I've been listening to his first album 'The World From the Side of the Moon' for about two months now.
Last week, I discovered that Phillip Phillips had a new album out called 'Behind the Light' and so I obviously checked it out and other than listening to Hunter Hayes' 'Storyline' album (review coming soon, hopefully) this is all I've been listening to. I described the album on twitter as 'bloody brilliant' and for me it is (I would also like to mention he favourited this tweet which made me incredibly happy, I did fan girl a little, oh well). It's the perfect summer album with a cross of folk/pop/rock. Phillip Phillips also has the incredibly unique sound to his voice which I love.
It starts with 'Searchlight' which I've been listening to non-stop, I think it's one of my favourite songs on the album. I find the song completely beautiful about trying to find the person you love who you let get away, something that I'm relating to an awful lot at the moment. For me, it portrays the story of not realising how great the person is in front of you until its too late and they've already gone. I love the music of the song too, it's a little Mumford and Sons to me but with a bit of a pop twist.
For me, a lot of the album sounds like festival music to me, I know that there are festivals for each genre of music but this album is just full of summer songs which I associate with music festivals and just having a great time. 'Raging Fire' is definitely one of those festival/summer songs. It's optimistic and sounds like a celebration. The lyric, 'won't you turn my soul into a raging fire' for me means just letting go and having fun, ignoring all the rules and just giving into some passion. 'Fool For You' is another one of those songs that remind me of summer, it's got a Mumford and Sons meets Scouting for Girls sound to it, the chorus also reminds me a little of Lenka's 'The Show'.
Other optimistic and fun songs include 'Unpack Your Heart' and the final track 'Midnight Sun'. Both of these tracks I absolutely adore. They just put me in such a good mood and feel much better about things. 'Unpack Your Heart' for me is just giving in to someone and letting them know everything about you, it's that moment of falling in love. Also, I like how in 'Midnight Sun' violins are added in places which makes it that little bit more romantic and reminds me of a sunset when the day and the fun is possibly coming to an end. 'Midnight Sun' is definitely a BBQ and summer anthem for me, just wanting to spend as much time as possible with my friends, I think it's great for those of you who are just leaving school.
As well as having the fun, upbeat songs on the album which are my personal favourite, Phillips also incorporates soul/blues/jazz vibes on tracks like; 'Trigger', 'Alive Again', 'Thicket' and 'Face'. I feel like these songs bring a slightly more mysterious vibe to the album and to Phillips. This was a nice touch, in my opinion as it makes everything sound a little different and stand out a little. These songs, in particular 'Thicket' makes the emotion seem more genuine and adds an edge to the album. I like how in 'Thicket' also the music corresponds with the lyrics making the song sound almost dream like and relaxing.
'Lead On' is another personal favourite of mine. I just think that it's a song that everyone can relate to. Everyone has been lead on by someone and I personally love the lyrics 'hanging on to every word' because I think you do that when you're in love with someone. 'Lead On' is just a song that makes you think that keep chasing after that person may be worth it and who knows, hey?
Finally, the last song I really want to discuss is 'Open Your Eyes'. This is a close top favourite along with 'Searchlight'. Its a little slower and gorgeous, it's romantic and describes someone wanting the other person to just let go and give in to how they really feel. I don't really know what to say about this song other than it's perfect and simple. His music is so authentic and real which I think works well for him. He's not using gimmicks or synthesized sounds to make him sound different to fit into the charts. I also like that he's optimistic and positive in his music.
Phillip Phillips has really impressed me with this album. He's got the balance of fun songs with grittier and more mysterious songs without doing the normal ballads. I think he's shown a lot of growth in this album. The song writing is brilliant as is the music. A lot of the songs have a little Mumford and Sons vibe to them but that's probably due to the Folk/Rock/Pop sound that the album has. But Phillip Phillips has such a unique voice that it stands out from anything else I've heard recently. I can see me listening to this album throughout of the entire summer non-stop and thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.
Check Out Phillip Phillips 'Raging Fire' below:
Did you like what you heard? Be sure to buy his album, 'Behind the Light' on iTunes.
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