SOUND JUDGEMENT
THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED
COMPLIMENTS PLEASE SELF ESTEEM ★★★★★ REBECCA TAYLOR has come a long way from playing a wooden chair with drum sticks during her days as one-half of quietly popular indie duo Slow Club. Zip forward to 2019 and the Sheffield multi-instrumentalist has delivered a debut drenched in attitude previously withheld.
It is not an album lacking ideas. The searing guitar on She Reigns is the closest thing there’s been to Purple Rain in 30 years and is begging to be heard live, while the rousing singles Rollout and The Best ensure mainstream success beckons.
A brilliant album, deserving of Mercury recognition.
WASTELAND, BABY! HOZIER ★★★★★ “IT’S not the waking/ it’s the rising” – there may be no more spine-tingling way to begin a record.
A tribute to musicians who championed civil rights in their work, Nina Cried Power made Obama’s 2018 playlist, and wins because it doesn’t let the work of Ms Simone, Curtis etc remain a static thing to be appreciated, but a vital force whose current can flow into the present. Mavis Staples guests, leaving her indelible mark and providing that past-present link.
Another highlight is To Noise Making (Sing), taking up Nina’s theme in gospel robes, sure to soundtrack 2019’s every inspirational TV moment.
This record should secure his stardom – Mr Hozier-Byrne has the passion, musicality and respect to show that he deserves it.
WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE TOM WALKER ★★★★★ TOM WALKER’S rise came fast. A single with chart-topping producer Naughty Boy, slots supporting George Ezra and The Script, and an undeniable earworm in Leave A Light On and a Brit for best breakthrough act.
And all without an album to his name. The stakes were high, but the Scottish troubadour pulled through.
His voice is at its most intoxicating when it’s given space, like on second single Angels where he sounds both gruff and angelic. The key to his success? His unique voice. It’s what caught the eye of the nation and it will be the reason What A Time To Be Alive captures their hearts.