Review
Lianne La Havas entered the scene strong with her debut, but her second album, "Blood," dropped on July 31, 2015, and truly marked a bold leap forward. Shapeshifting from her initial acoustic leanings, La Havas embraced a rich neo soul vibe that bowled folks over, drawing well-deserved comparisons to musical heavyweights like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. This album isn't just about growth; it's an evolution, pure and simple.
Talk about smooth sailing! Each track on "Blood" flows seamlessly into the next, paving a fluid path for your ears to traverse. The album riffs on pop, reggae, and old-school jazz, with all those indulgent production touches—light chimes, brassy heft, mellow fingerpicking on the guitar, and even some reversed drums for good measure. And let me not forget those daring vocal turns on standout tracks like "Unstoppable" and "What You Don't Do," showcasing her unflinching polish and taking musical chances that truly pay off.
Lyrically, "Blood" isn't shy about delving into rich themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Tethered to her Jamaican and Greek roots, La Havas serves up reflections on belonging and that ancient quest to both define and know oneself as you grow older. Success came knocking at "Blood's" door universally, garnering accolades to match; it topped charts in the Netherlands and Norway, landing near the summit in the UK. Plus, its Grammy nod wasn't too shabby either! This treasure is a magnificent watchtower for showcasing how much owning your truth sonically and lyrically can pay off in huge ways. - Lena
