SOUND NT JUDGEMENT

THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED

AMIDST THE CHAOS

SARA BAREILLES

★★★★ ★

AMIDST The Chaos is perfectly titled for 2019, and will get you out of a funk, even if you don’t think you’re in one. Soothe your soul with the powerfully moving vocals and flawless musicality. From jaunty, euphoric and folksy opener Fire, to album closer A Safe Place To Land, a rousing ballad with John Legend, this album has it all.

Lead single Armor, celebrating the strength of women with a moreish jazzy hook, is a highlight. Some of the tracks are quite simple, but this doesn’t detract from their power: Bareilles is all about heartfelt, gutsy music with addictive melodies.

WHEN I’M ALONE: THE PIANO RETROSPECTIVE

LISSIE

★★★★ ★

THE album is a stripped-back collection of some of Lissie’s greatest hits – When I’m Alone and Castles among them – and also features a cover of Fleetwood Mac favourite Dreams, as well as The Dixie Chicks tune Cowboy Take Me Away.

A vibrant ode to the artist’s best-loved songs, the 11-track offering is the perfect combination of her haunting voice set against only a piano.

Each song is re-imagined and given a new level of depth, making it a delectably easy listen. It is bound to please existing fans and also appeal to newcomers.

WHAT’S IT LIKE OVER THERE?

CIRCA WAVES

★★★★ ★

CIRCA Waves are the latest offering of indie rock from Liverpool. What’s It Like Over There? is their third album, and could provide the key to mainstream success. Times Won’t Change Me is ingrained in the Radio X playlist.

This isn’t your everyday indie rock. Of late the genre has been about guitar riffs and gritty edges... this just isn’t that. It’s almost mellow in places, but it is rock with heart and a whole lot of soul. Think The Killers crossed with Panic!.

There’s still plenty here that long-time fans will love, but overall this is an album that will increase their fanbase.