|
Jubilee Offer: Patriot Classics for £2.50 |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Review
That Ellie Goulding topped the BBC’s Sound of 2010 poll and won the Critics’ award at the Brits counts for precisely nothing as of now. Her debut album signals the next chapter in the career of an artist who, with only a pair of singles reaching the world beyond the music industry, seems to have been handed success on a plate. But the past is just that, the page has turned; here is where Goulding truly lays down the foundations for either a 15-minute stand or, she’d hope, a lengthy tenure in our hearts.
Good news: Lights is an expectations-passing collection that should see fans of the singer’s material to date elevating her to superstar status – perhaps not Gaga league, but certainly the equal of the current solo female du jour, Florence Welch. Both possess vocals that can rub a listener the wrong way, but Goulding’s lyricism surpasses Welch’s exacerbating I’m-so-wacky-me artifice, connecting on a commendably affecting level with no little frequency.
She’s not a bad vocalist, but there are moments when an endearing cuteness crosses into uncomfortable irritation, a purr peaking to a piercing squeal. With words cut-and-pasted across compositions that dance with contemporary class – the presence of Starsmith (Marina and the Diamonds, Paloma Faith) and Fraser T Smith (Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz) ensures an up-to-the-moment production modernity shines through – there are parallels with Frankmusik’s enjoyably breathless patter throughout. The polish, laid thick but even, keeps the consistency controlled – ballads like The Writer and I’ll Hold My Breath retain the glossy attraction of singles Under the Sheets and Starry Eyed. Wish I Stayed is the album’s skilfully sound-scaped highlight, percussively brutish but comely of light keys.
What really sells Goulding as a hyped artist with substance enough to qualify the acclaim, though, is her way with words. She’s not showy, but cuts to the core of each matter with the accomplished efficiency of an artist twice her age. Considering she only signed her deal in the autumn of 2009, Lights represents a superb achievement in this respect – hackneyed heart-on-sleeve emoting is conspicuous by its absence, deliberately curt posers dominating proceedings. “Who am I to say I’m always yours?” she asks, and in one line addresses more romantic uncertainty than entire albums from her would-be peers.
Who, if you’d not already guessed, she spectacularly surpasses. 2010’s poll-winners’ party has only just begun, but expect Goulding to be the last one standing. --Mike Diver
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
Product Description
Lush & emotive 2010 debut album from young English singer/songwriter collaborating with Starsmith (Lady Gaga).
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Having seen Ellie twice support Little Boots on tour it annoys me that Frankmusik and Fin Dow-Smith (Starsmith) seem to have somewhat s**t on their friend Ms Goulding by overproducing the songs on this album to make themselves look good.
The demo versions of *Wish I'd Stayed* and *Guns and Horses* were better than these album versions - though G&H has suffered less at the hands of Starsmith than WIS at the hands of Frankmusik! Having said that *The Writer* and *I'll Hold My Breath* are much improved and the new track (I say new having followed Ellie's work for a good 6 months already) *Your Biggest Mistake* is great.
Overall I still rate the album highly - but will look forward to the live performances of more stripped down efforts in April. BTW I can't seen the reasoning of championing Marina's work much more than Lights. I have both albums and am struggling to get into *The Family Jewels*.
The demo versions of *Wish I'd Stayed* and *Guns and Horses* were better than these album versions - though G&H has suffered less at the hands of Starsmith than WIS at the hands of Frankmusik! Having said that *The Writer* and *I'll Hold My Breath* are much improved and the new track (I say new having followed Ellie's work for a good 6 months already) *Your Biggest Mistake* is great.
Overall I still rate the album highly - but will look forward to the live performances of more stripped down efforts in April. BTW I can't seen the reasoning of championing Marina's work much more than Lights. I have both albums and am struggling to get into *The Family Jewels*.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I've had this album for a few months now and love it!!! Have been listening to it non-stop and it never gets boring.
It's one of those albums where you don't have to wind any songs on because they're all amazing. I recommend Ellie's album to everyone I know.
Stunning debut album, can't wait for the next one!!!
It's one of those albums where you don't have to wind any songs on because they're all amazing. I recommend Ellie's album to everyone I know.
Stunning debut album, can't wait for the next one!!!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Songs on this album have been knocking around for a while and while some say they have been over produced and ruined i higly disagree this album is beautifully crafted and never misses a beat it flows from one song to the next without falling flat. the lyrics are beautiful and personal yet resonate far more widely with the listener the only problem is at 36 minutes it feels a bit short and leaves you wishing for an extra song or two but overall spetacular debeut.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
grown on me
This album is one that i had no real interest in when i first heard her on the radio. but over time overgrown to enjoy her voice... and her album a steal at 2. Read more
Published 5 months ago by denway
good
very good album, like the songs, like her voice too, although went to a club where she was performing and she turned up two hours late..drunk.. Read more
Published 17 months ago by natachatta
On listening to "Lights"
I really enjoyed listening to this it brings back childhood memories. Ellie Goulding is a good singer and it was good to listen to music which was a genuine composition, not just... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Lindsey Shrimpton-Kemp
brilliant
I have to admit that at first I didn't quite get what the fuss was about. However, Ellie Goulding's music is definitely a grower - the CD has been out for a long time now but still... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Florence :)
Fantastic debut album
Bought this album after seeing Ellie on Jonathan Ross a while ago, was very
impressed as this is her debut album, great mix of songs, love
'Starry eyed'
Went to see... Read more
impressed as this is her debut album, great mix of songs, love
'Starry eyed'
Went to see... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Sharky
I LOVE this album
I've been listening to this album now for a couple of months, and love it so much. The greatest thing about the songs are that they are so upbeat and make you feel euphoric. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Miles
Brilliant album!
This is a brilliant album. Easy listening and really catchy. I find it quite good to chill to after a stressful day.
Published 20 months ago by V. Lovegrove
Go Ellie!
Loved this! Perfect for dancing round the house to, singing into your hairbrush to and driving to. Good lyrics for one so young, fun but serious and a great voice too. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Pip C-T
little star
5 starts unfortunately, would give her more but can't :). amazing album- all songs great. Unique voice and beauty.
Published 20 months ago by milly
Album
Not sure what I am reviewing here, the service or the product. The service was great, the product was for someone else so I really don't know.
Published 21 months ago by Neil
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
