Music Monday: Ellie Goulding – Lights

I thought it was about time that I reviewed a brand new album for all you Wigglers.

You can’t get any newer than this: out today is new folktronic popstrel Ellie Goulding’s debut studio album.

And here we are, reviewing it on the Wiggle. It was just last week that she was awarded the Critic’s Choice Award at the BRITs, proving that she is supposedly one of the best upcoming stars for 2010.

You may remember dear old Sopho reviewing her a while back, so I thought I’d let you know our opinion on her newest release ‘Lights’.

Track #1: Guns and Horses – The first track and it already showcases the unique vocal ability of Goulding. The drum beat in the background makes this track a good one to dance to as well.

Track #2: Starry Eyed – Currently number 4 in the UK single charts, (correct 1st May 2010) Starry Eyed is the perfect definition of ‘folktronica’. It has an earthy feel to its synthesized beats and is easily liable to get stuck in your head.

Track #3: This Love (Will Be Your Downfall) – The slowest of the first three tracks… to begin with. Then we’re faced with one of Ellie’s poppy drum beats in the background that are sure to become one of her trademarks.

Track #4: Under The Sheets – I’ve listened to this song on repeat (it was previously released on EP) and I never get tired of it. The lyrics really are catchy and as soon as you hear the song, you can’t help but sing along.

Track #5: The Writer – Radio 1 acclaimed this track upon their preview of the album and it is easy to see why. It’s less electro than the other songs and more acoustic. However, it is really beautiful and enables Ellie’s voice to stand out even more.

Track #6: Every Time You Go – One of the less catchy tracks, which is probably a good thing because imagine having a whole album stuck in your head! Still fun to listen to.

Track #7: Wish I Stayed – One of the hidden gems in this album. Featuring Frankmusik, Ellie gives us some inspirational lyrics accompanied by an entertaining song.

Track #8: Your Biggest Mistake – Starting acoustically with her guitar, Ellie begins this track stripped bare. As it progresses, it turns into a synthesized masterpiece. There is so much to listen out for by the end of it all.

Track #9: I’ll Hold My Breath – A very pop-orientated song here. Especially the chorus – it sounds almost as if Girls Aloud wrote it. But a more musically aware Girls Aloud, of course.

Track #10: Salt Skin – Unlike other songs on the album, Salt Skin starts off chaotically (in a good way) and goes up and down in terms of tempo throughout. This makes for a very interesting track indeed.

Track #11: Lights – The title track sounds quite a lot different to the other tracks in that Goulding shows off her long notes. But again, her signature drum beat is in tact as always.

In summary, this album is nothing short of a fine piece of art. It is a revelation for folk and electronica and is one of the only album’s I’ve been excited to review. Well worth it. Go to iTunes and download as soon as you can.

Overall Rating: (And a very well deserved 5 stars at that!)