Joining the ranks of other female British vocalists like Adele and Florence & the Machine, Ellie Goulding is making headlines with her sophomore album Halcyon. Goulding, most well known for her hit single, “Lights,” has gained an ever-growing presence in the United States after first achieving success in the United Kingdom. In 2011, she performed “Lights” at a variety of significant venues, including Buckingham Palace for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as the White House for the national tree lighting. The song and album did well on the charts and radio, becoming a summer 2012 classic in the United States. The album’s success continued on into October, leading to high expectations for Goulding’s second album.
Released to eager fans on Oct. 9, Halcyon does not disappoint. Though a departure from “Lights,” the album brings a unique vibe, filled with soulful vocals, piano riffs and rhythmic techno beats. Halcyon is categorized within the “pop” genre with a hint of Goulding’s signature electronic and techno beats. It features a blend of unique tribal rhythms, with ethereal wordless vocals at the beginning of several tracks.
The best example of the tribal mood is the catchy “Don’t Say A Word.” Beginning with soulful vocals repeating “If you never, if you never,” the song haunts listeners even as it fades into more electronic beats. While the song is remarkably energetic and effective in its beginning, it goes through so many transformations — tribal to electronic and back again — that the aesthetic becomes a bit overwhelming. It seems as if Goulding was trying too hard with the first track, but overcomes this struggle with other tracks on the album.
In addition to setting the mood for the album, the first tracks reveal that “Halcyon” is undoubtedly a breakup album. The second song on the record reveals a broken relationship: “With all the blood I lost with you / It drowns the love I thought I knew.” The heartbroken lyrics continue with “Only You,” the fourth track off the album, “Only you can be the aching in my heart / My enemy, the only animal I couldn’t fight.” Many of the songs and lyrics depict Goulding’s fight to overcome her breakup. “Figure 8” is the most tenacious of the album, combining accelerating electronic beats and vocals so high that they seem to spin off the record.
In contrast, one of the most lighthearted songs off the album, “Anything Could Happen” reveals a hope that the grief is waning: “That was the year / I knew the panic was over.” The track launches into the chorus, revealing a hope for the future: “Yes since we found out / Since we found out / That anything could happen.” Of all the tracks on the album, “Anything Could Happen” is the one that could rival “Lights.” Starting off with another tribal hook, the song is full of piano, powerful drums and emotional vocals, especially near the end of the song. Goulding is at her musical best here. The upbeat, positive song will have its listeners believing that “anything can happen.”
For fans of simpler piano ballads, “I Know You Care” is a must. Haunting, wordless vocals again echo Goulding’s lyrics in the background. The story is another moment of heartbreak, but an artful one. The song proves that though a pop album, Halcyon does not lack emotional depth like many other electronic albums.
Another not-to-miss song is the title track, “Halcyon.” The song starts simple, only to build as it goes on. In the beginning of the track, Goulding’s lyrics shine in their simplicity. However, as the strange high-pitched vocals combine and the electronic beats grow, the song becomes one of the best of the album, fulfilling the ideal of a tribal-pop-electronic fusion record.
The album is a progressive step in cementing Goulding as a powerhouse vocalist among the likes of Adele and Florence & the Machine. Other similar British vocalists to also keep an eye on include Marina and the Diamonds and Eliza Doolittle, who promote a sound similar to Goulding. Another item on the horizon is Goulding’s forthcoming song in the “Breaking Dawn Part 2” soundtrack. In the past, the “Twilight” movies have featured artists such as Christina Perri, Muse and Paramore, appealing to many listeners outside of the “Twilight” fandom.
From song to song, the album reveals Ellie Goulding’s variability as an artist. At times the vocals are strange and the beats overwhelming, but this becomes part of the album’s charm. Each song is a unique blend of beats, vocals and an undefinably haunting recollection.
