I instantly loved most songs but I tend to skip Changes, not sure why but it will grow on me. And of course I skipped UWM2 and DGUOU.. somehow I feel maybe they shouldn't have been included on this album, but again, Sarah wanted these out there again. I read some comments on the listening party page, UWM2 and DGUOU were new for some people!
It was surprising Here's my "mini" review of the album
Awakenings- it's a standout track, very different from the rest and has some darkness that's been heard on previous albums. Out of all tracks, this was the perfect album opener. I think this is the most experimental song of the bunch. It's powerful and guitar-driven in some parts.
Illusions of Bliss- Another favorite track of mine, I love the balance of upbeatness and sadness here. The melody is beautiful and it's the perfect catchy song she could have ever created. I thought it was One Dream, but this one bumped it off!
Loving You Is Easy- I will admit that I was surprised when I first heard this song when it debuted. It is definitely a refreshing sound, not expected of Sarah. She worked around the song and managed to balance the sadness and happiness.
Changes - won't say much about this one yet. Although I did say at first that it sounded like Drifting (still does).She even sings the word "drifting" in the opening lines
Forgiveness - the most beautiful depressing song she's ever done so far. I can always go back and forth with other songs but I feel like it is now. I love the little buildup at the end. This song is pure, pure sadness. I guess Terry was right.
Rivers of Love - as depressing (and beautiful) as Forgiveness. It reminds me of Melissa McClelland's sound. I think it's because of the guitar, and Luke of course has played on most Melissa's albums
Love Come - this is another standout track, but I think something was missing on this one.. I feel like this song was meant to be forceful and loud like Awakenings, it's a little restrained. Looking forward to listening to the acoustic version!
Out of Tune - Caleb and I talked about this one and I agree that this seems to be the album's "World on Fire"; similar themes are talked about in the song. I expected it to be different based on the the preview I listened to, great nonetheless.
Heartbreak - another of my favorite tracks. One of the best, lyrically, on the album and the music is really great. The guitars and the tune is very southern-blues/pop.
Bring on the Wonder - a Susan Enan cover. Sarah provided vocals on one of the 2 Susan Enan versions. I like this one, but I am really afraid to admit that I prefer Susan's (ok, there I did it), which is the original
BUT I do love how Sarah sings some of the lines a lot better (which is why I love her in the first place).The review was not so mini after all
But I feel pretty confident in saying there's nothing on LOI that could hold a candle to "Possession", "Silence", "Fear" or any of her dramatic, powerful, windswept tracks like those. I still hold out hope Sarah will aim for more powerful/ethereal tracks in the future (in 7 years time?)
: