I’m a little embarrassed that it’s taken me so long to write a review of
my favorite album of 2016. But HEAVN is such an overwhelming
experience that it takes a while to process. In a word, it’s
gorgeous.
I mean this in every
aspect of the album: the cover art, the lyrics, the music, the
production. I listened to it the first time on my crappy iPhone speakers
and was overwhelmed. (While I imagine it’s best enjoyed on vinyl with a
serious stereo setup, I highly recommend experiencing this album —
yes, all the way through — with headphones.)
aspect of the album: the cover art, the lyrics, the music, the
production. I listened to it the first time on my crappy iPhone speakers
and was overwhelmed. (While I imagine it’s best enjoyed on vinyl with a
serious stereo setup, I highly recommend experiencing this album —
yes, all the way through — with headphones.)
So
what’s an album like this doing on an Americana blog? (And I’ll be
reposting this one to No Depression.) What’s more American than racism?
Than protest? Than isolation for not fitting an extremely narrow
definition of “normal”? Than solidarity with other marginalized people?
Than struggling with depression and body image because advertising —
our society’s moral messaging — tells us we’re wrong so we can buy
things to make us right? And what’s more American than music by black
people?
what’s an album like this doing on an Americana blog? (And I’ll be
reposting this one to No Depression.) What’s more American than racism?
Than protest? Than isolation for not fitting an extremely narrow
definition of “normal”? Than solidarity with other marginalized people?
Than struggling with depression and body image because advertising —
our society’s moral messaging — tells us we’re wrong so we can buy
things to make us right? And what’s more American than music by black
people?
To be sure,
there are certain songs on this album that I cannot relate to on
fundamental levels. And my struggle to respond to and acknowledge that
helps explain my delay in writing about HVN. Woods treats all of her
songs with such warmth that you can’t help being pulled into them,
immersed in the majesty of these songs and set on fire by the love and
passion that spills through every single person’s performance on this
album. This is an album that will make you feel heard, hurt, curious,
and proud, no matter who you are.
there are certain songs on this album that I cannot relate to on
fundamental levels. And my struggle to respond to and acknowledge that
helps explain my delay in writing about HVN. Woods treats all of her
songs with such warmth that you can’t help being pulled into them,
immersed in the majesty of these songs and set on fire by the love and
passion that spills through every single person’s performance on this
album. This is an album that will make you feel heard, hurt, curious,
and proud, no matter who you are.
In a word, it’s gorgeous.
Jamila Woods — Official, Stream on Soundcloud [The playlist seems to have been taken down, but maybe it’ll come back]