English singer/songwriter Laura Welsh announced the release of her debut album, Soft Control, out January 19th (Outsiders | Polydor Records). YESSSSSSS! I heard one song and it didn’t do anything for me. I thought her voice sounded lovely but I just didn’t care for the song. It happens. Cut to a few months later with —”Break The Fall“—easily one of my FAVORITE pop cuts this year. In fact, I was pretty much in love with the entirety of the 27 year-old’s self-titled U.S. EP (iTunes). This new-found adoration for the British chanteuse made me question EVERYTHING. Why was I so dismissive after just one listen of one song? You’re better than this, Jamie! Come on! Consider this a lesson learned. Laura Welsh is one artist that I am DESPERATE to see perform live.
Welsh’s debut album features eleven tracks, including acclaimed singles “Break The Fall,” “Cold Front,” “Undiscovered” and her new single, “Ghosts.” The collaborators on Soft Control (which has no confirmed U.S. release date as of yet) are diverse and talented—including Dev Hynes (AKA Blood Orange), Robin Hannibal (of Rhye fame), Jonathan Lipsey (Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse), Greg Kurstin (The Shins, Beck, Lily Allen), Emile Haynie (Lana Del Rey, Kanye West), Babydaddy (of Scissor Sisters) and Amanda Ghost. Additionally, Soft Control features a duet with the ever-smooth, American singer/songwriter John Legend (“Hardest Part“). What’s more—as if singer-songwriter wasn’t enough credit on her debut album, Welsh is ALSO takes co-producer credit on two album tracks (“Call To Arms,” “Hollow Drum“). GO-GIRL!
From the sound of things, Laura Welsh‘s album has all the makings of a quintessential British electronic/pop/soul record. We’ve heard ballads. We’ve heard some mid-tempo. We’ve also heard some up-tempo. Hell, we’ve even heard Welsh on a dance record (Gorgon City‘s VERY good “Here For You“), and although that song doesn’t feature on the album, Welsh’s discography has been remixed by acclaimed British producers/remixers including Russ Chimes (“Cold Front“), Mike Mago (“Undiscovered“), Steve Pitron & Max Sanna (“Break The Fall“) so there’s hope for future remix projects. I’ll be the first to admit that I judged Laura Welsh prematurely, but I think the very fact that her album is one of my most highly anticipated releases next year makes up for my initial blunder. (right?)
Check out the tracklisting for Soft Control BELOW and if you live in the UK, pre-order the album now (iTunes).
Soft Control Tracklist:
1. Soft Control
2. Ghosts
3. Break The Fall
4. Unravel
5. God Keeps
6. Cold Front
7. Hardest Part
8. Still Life
9. Breathe Me In
10. Call To Arms
11. Hollow Drum
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