Album Review: Chloe Foy - ‘Where Shall We Begin’
Chloe Foy embarks on a new chapter with her touching debut album, ‘Where Shall We Begin’.
After a difficult ten year period, following the loss of her father to depression, Chloe Foy has blessed us with a new series of sentimental demonstrations. ‘Where Shall We Begin’ explores Chloe’s struggle with losing an influential figure at such a young age whilst also tirelessly committing herself to her career. “For me, this album has come out of a decade of hard graft, trying to balance my craft with making a living, whilst taking my time to get it right. All whilst dealing with the fallout of a huge bereavement in my most formative years. I was finding it hard to work out who I was within this new, alien context of losing a parent,” Foy explains.
The record offers a refreshing sense of vulnerability with its soothing imitation of poignancy and sensitive arrangements. Co-produced alongside Harry Fausing Smith, the tracklisting is truly impeccable. Title track, ‘Where Shall We Begin’, poses a flawless introduction to the rest of the album. Empathetic and pure - it’s the perfect gateway into the eloquence of this stunning debut.
Third track, ‘Work Of Art’, is a personal favourite. A characterful earworm instilled with oodles of personality and vigour. But that’s not to overshadow the tender offerings of the likes of ‘Bones’ and ‘And It Goes’. Midway through the album, we also get to revisit 2018’s fan favourite, ‘Asylum’. Fully equipped with the lull of an alluring string arrangement beneath Chloe’s breathtaking vocal, it honestly doesn’t get much better than this!
‘Where Shall We Begin’ marks the start of an exciting stage for Chloe Foy. Described as her most inner and deepest secrets, there’s a courageous fragility embedded within each and every track. A fragility that sparks reverence, comfort and despair. Unquestionably, it’s quite the ride. But it’s a ride I would highly recommend taking.
Words by Jess Edwards