Monday 4 November 2013

Albums of 2013 - Laura Mvula - Sing To The Moon

 
 
I've held off posting this album as I was hoping that it would have won the Mercury Music Prize. I don't normally get excited by industry awards, especially music, as it is so subjective. But of the nominated artists, I was really hoping that Laura would have won. It's not for the money obviously, as it's only £20K but the raised profile that it generates is priceless advertising. Even though James Blake has won the prize this year, most Industry 'Insiders' seemed to think that Singing To The Moon was the best album of 2013. Of the list, I think I'd have to agree.
 
 

 
 
A special mention must go to the producer Steve Brown who has done a magnificent job on the album and to Laura & Steve for the arrangements. Steve Brown has also worked on the Rumer album, Seasons Of My Soul. The album 'sounds' beautiful and soaring while also quiet and delicate in places. It is very hard to catagorise. Is it Soul, is it R&B, is it Pop, is it Rock, is it Gospel, is it Prog, is it Baroque? Well, it's all of those things really. And I'd probably throw in a bit of Classical & Choral music too. The treatment of the vocals/voices is sublime. Not only Laura's lead but the lovely harmonies that are built up behind her.
 

 
Laura has stated that one of her influences has been The Beach Boys and with the song is There Anybody Out There? you can really hear their influence.
 

 
 
As I said, it's a very hard album to pin down but my advice is that if you like any of the descriptors I have used above then you should invest.
 

 
 
Twitter - @lauramvula
 
 
 
 
 


2 comments:

  1. She sure can sing up a storm.
    Another visit to Amazon...

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  2. Think youigjt enjoy this TREV. Don't think you've heard anything like this album this year. As you know, I'm a sucker for a bit of glockenspiel and bells. - it sounds gorgeous and the tunes are good too. Def headphones job. :)

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