Let's Say for Instance

The songs Emeli Sande released as previews of her fourth studio album -- her first for the relaunched Chrysalis label -- were connected by little more than the singer/songwriters voice and words. "Family" exuded rejuvenation and invincibility with Sandes vocals, so modulated at points that they conflicted with the songs humanity, bursting through a mechanized rhythm and a blur of strings. More promising was "Look What Youve Done," a lovestruck garage-flavored track Sande produced herself. Add to those a clap-and-stomp optimist anthem ("Brighter Days") and a hopeless ballad resembling a refurbished mid-80s torch song ("There Isnt Much"), plus an undaunted belter evoking the same era ("Ready to Love") and a woozy ballad in which Sande is unfulfilled but reassuring ("Oxygen"). What to make of all that? Thematically and sonically, Lets Say for Instance does have some cohesion, if only in its final quarter, where it shifts from heartbreak to soul ache. Theres palpable grief and anger regarding racist killings, theatrical consolation and affirmation for a loved one in a dark place, followed by "Brighter Days" and two closing songs overflowing with praise and encouraging platitudes. The first three quarters bounce around in style and emotion. Theyre most enjoyable when Sande radiates uninhibited joy about her new love. Brightest of all is "My Pleasure," a delectable tropical bliss-out that tickles, flutters, and bobs like Sande and producers Prince Galalie and Aquarelle aimed to make an undefeatable homage to Mariah Carey and Timbaland. The beaming "Look in Your Eyes" retrofits deep and funky post-disco (Prime Times "I Owe It to Myself). "Summer," its tone set with gentle whirls from Oli Morris saxophone, is Sandes airiest love song yet, pure expression rather than a performance. A whole album of moments like those wouldnt have worn out its welcome. ~ Andy Kellman

実力派シンガー・ソングライターという意味ではUK音楽シーンでもトップに位置するであろうエミリー・サンデーの、3年ぶりの4作目が到着。今回は初のインディー・レーベル発だが完成度は過去最高。流麗な2ステップ・ナンバーにソウルネスを注入する"Look What You've Done"、オルタナR&B的な浮遊感のある"My Pleasure"での可憐な振る舞い、ライトなディスコ・タッチの"Look In Your Eyes"での軽やかな歌い口、終盤のビッグ・バラードやスロウ群での重さとエモさで圧倒していく様子など、楽曲ごとに表情を変えて隙のない歌い込みを披露していく。素晴らしいシンガーでありながら、同時にその自身の強みを最大限に活かすソングライターとして、やはり彼女は随一だ。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子