Album Review of Ellie Goulding's Halcyon
Ellie Goulding, out of South East London, is a unique “folktronica” artist that just released a new album for the world to hear. Halcyon is her sophomore album released October 9, 2012.
It’s hard to describe this artist; iTunes describes this album as pop, but that seems like a stretch to what your actually hearing. One could compare this sound to Florence + the Machine mixed with techno, easily heard in one of the tracks, Figure 8.
The album consists of 13 tracks including her new big hit Anything Could Happen. On each of these songs you get to hear such a unique voice. Goulding has a strange range – it’s incredible – her lower range is just as great as her higher notes. This album lets you see every part of her voice. Some songs use auto-tune but not to the extent where it makes the track sound too fake, just in certain parts to give it the electronic feel – any other part of the song you get to hear the rawness and rasp of her voice.
A great song on the album is the title track, Halcyon. This is a softer song with less of the electronics that can be seen in the rest of the album. This one really showcases her natural voice. You’re able to hear a few of the little imperfections which makes this more real.
Another slow song, JOY, is most likely a favorite. I’ve always had an ear for strings, background choirs and vibratos which this is filled with. Goulding’s falsetto in this track is just jaw dropping. A couple more songs include the background choir and orchestra instruments but this one is the only one that continues to give me chills each time I listen to it.
On the other end of the spectrum there’s the new hit Anything Could Happen. This one is probably the most upbeat and tech-y song on the album. The harmonies in the chorus and the fun synth beat makes this song great to listen to. After Lights, Goulding needed to release something great to keep her audience listening and this definitely was a great one to use.
Honestly, this is one of my new favorite albums of the year. It’s a little strange just in the style of music, but the weirdness is intriguing. I highly recommend Halcyon.
It’s available on iTunes for $11.99 ($14.99 for the Deluxe Version)
[rating=4]