Lindsay Ell – Heart Theory

A charming country record with a perfectly fitting title, Heart Theory by Lindsay Ell has a very colourful tracklist. Ell incorporates several staple genres into each song, ranging from pop to rock to RnB, to thoroughly explore the versatility of country music. Still, Heart Theory holds that same old country quirk in its themes, lyricism and storytelling.

Hits Me­ is all pop blues, bubblegum country and upbeat jazz. Its production and instrumental composition are a little bit convoluted and mediocre, but it works to causally open up the album to thoughts of realisation. How Good moves into spiteful and angry territory with undertones of insecurity. This second track acts as a precedent for promising verses that are let down by cliché choruses – a recurring theme in this new release. Fortunately, Want me Back breaks through the sameness with its RnB flare and its softly sung verses. This creates cohesive anticipation for the lyrical and vocal prowess of the chorus. It’s classy and vindictive, and the guitar is bound up in heavy emotions.

Body Language of a Breakup is cheerfully vibrant with sound storytelling. Ell’s excellent vocal transitions from verse to chorus solidifies this as the one number in which the vocal stylistics clearly reflect the lyrics sung. Other songs to take note of are the transitional tracks that move from one emotion to the next. Get Over You is a steady stream of beats that mark a turn into respite, self-discovery and the early beginnings of moving on. Good on You flawlessly gravitates towards acceptance from the previous tune, and Ready to Love with its night pop sound wraps up Heart Theory neatly for another try at love.

The album’s structure is linear rather than cyclical as it goes through the varying feelings felt after a breakup. The topics it covers are typical and relate to the different experiences many people face – a double-edged sword in that respect. These are situations many will find themselves in, yet there are a lot of records that tackle the same kind of thing. It is this delicate balance that downplays Ell and her music’s individuality, which is a shame as this is a very genuine journey she is trying to tell.

Mae Trumata

Heart Theory is released on 14^th August 2020. For further information or to order the album visit Lindsay Ell’s website here.

Watch the video for Ready to Love here: