The word 'serendipity' comes to mind as I listen to this album, for the fourth time. The first time was on my drive up to London for Halsey's album launch event, for which I had a ticket and was going primarily to watch my friend Chloe playing support. As it turned out, Chloe was unwell and as I was already going, she asked if I might be able to step in and play a set on her behalf, to which I gratefully accepted (I mean, who wouldn't want to play a half hour of songs on a beautiful grand piano on a stage lit with my two favourite colours, teal and purple?!). So I ended up actually playing support for Halsey's album launch, and that was where I heard these songs for the second time.
Now this is a band who have either rehearsed together so many times, or they all know each other and the songs so well that on coming together, they've smashed it out the park, so spot on to the record. I felt honoured to be included in such a line up, with these clearly classically trained musicians who all seem to be able to play any instrument to an exceptional level, sing perfect harmonies and all so tight you wouldn't quite believe it's a debut.
The music is a fusion of several different musical styles, with a commercial edge - but my stand-out takeaway would be how much Halsey reminds me of Joni Mitchell and Carole King, two of my absolute favourite female singer songwriters. So, by default, I'm now a fan. With several upbeat, pop vibe tracks, some more moody and acoustic, plenty of layered harmonies and beautiful arrangements, this album is the most well produced debut body of work I've listened to in a long time. I have a particular love for the track 'Echo' which is essentially a call to kindness and honesty, despite living in our echo chambers of opinions that might reflect those of our circle.
If, like me, you feel like you wish you had been a teenager listening to music in the 60s and 70s, then this is for you. Nostalgic, beautiful, well crafted and sing-along-able. What a treat for my ears.
Listen to Echo and other songs like it on our Feel the Flow playlist: