You can’t have failed to see Ellie Goulding in the press this past few months. Topping most ‘Ones To Watch’ features for 2010, Goudling has garnered impressive attention. She also picked up the Critics Choice Award at this year’s BRIT Awards ahead of the release of her debut album. Recently her second single Starry Eyed crashed into the charts at an impressive number 4 and now Goulding is releasing her much-anticipated debut album Lights.
To be honest we didn’t know what to expect from Lights. Having never heard anything by Goulding we were worried she may be another Little Boots – all hype and no substance. Fortunately Lights was a complete surprise and we can happily say we’re big fans of Goulding now. Actually it’s surprised us quite how mixed the reaction has been to the record. Each of the 10 tracks on the album was co-written by Goulding and it’s clear she’s had a large input into her sound. Her style easily combines pop, folk and singer-songwriter musings to create a sound not currently heard in the modern charts. Lazy critics will compare Goulding to Florence and the Machine or Marina and the Diamonds but actually she’s better than both of them.
Guns and Horses opens the record and introduces us to Goulding’s voice. If we had to try and describe it we’d say it was a bit like a softer Cerys Matthews crossed with Martha Wainwright. Musically though Goulding sits a little closer to Pixie Lott or even Natasha Bedingfield but she has an air of cool that neither of those artists have. The album constantly surprises you. Guns and Horses sits nearer to indie-pop than electronica but then Starry Eyed takes you firmly into the electro-pop arena. This contrast continues throughout the record giving it an overall fresh and interesting sound.
Debut single Under The Sheets drives along with an emotive urgency that brings out the heartache of the lyrics, Your Biggest Mistake is an uptempo pop jam that is sure to be a hit single and album closer Salt Skin is a more commercial sounding Portishead-style track. The standout is the gorgeous This Love (Will Be Your Downfall) with its acoustic sensibilities and pop beats. Goulding’s voice sounds fragile yet powerful at the same time and raises goosebumps on your skin.
Lights is a strong debut by anyone’s standards. Having been built up by the press Goulding should expect to now be ripped down by them. We think she should flick them a cursory V sign and concentrate on her music. Lights shows incredible promise from this exciting young artist and we can’t wait to see her blossom in 2010. It’s the year of Ellie Goulding and you’d all better get used to it.
