Album Review: Sigrid - 'How To Let Go'
Full of anticipation for Sigrid’s second studio album - ‘How To Let Go’ is finally here.
Following her debut album in 2019, Sigrid is back with her second record ‘How To Let Go’, consisting of twelve brand new tracks including singles ‘Mirror’ and ‘Bad Life’.
Kicking it off, ‘It Gets Dark’ starts the album on a mellow note. The song progresses slowly and really builds up the atmosphere, setting a tone for the rest of the record. It’s up and down with emotion, really coming to grips in the chorus. The vocals and music blend together to create a sound impossible to not like.
‘Burning Bridges’ follows, moving the vibe on to a type of modern ABBA, specifically resembling hit tune ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ with its powerful intro of high pitched synths. This style is carried on through the album, coming back through the later track, ‘A Driver Saved My Life’. Verging on disco, the beat gives a dance track joy.
Taking a turn, next comes ‘Risk of Getting Hurt’. It’s a song filled with passion and intensity, particularly displayed through the fast paced lyrics and energy behind the chorus. Like the vocals come from a much deeper place within the artist.
‘Thank Me Later’ brings the tempo up massively. It’s a beat so catchy it flows with pure happiness and euphoria. The chorus is catchy and a real belter, almost like you’re hooked after the first listen. Everything about this song is strong, the vocals, the beat, much like the following track ‘Mirror’, there’s a definite sound; it’s distinguished and iconic.
‘Last To Know’ The vocals feel deeper, perhaps following the message behind the words, the guilt of moving on from a previous love, “But I’m happy I found somebody and I hope that you’re the last to know”. The entirety of the song is surrounded by a peaceful piano tune creating an acoustic sound, really giving the listener the chance to slow down and enjoy the music. Similar to the later track ‘Bad Life’, the hidden meaning in the words change the outlook on the sound. You can hear the raw emotion behind the vocal, there’s real meaning. There’s a sense of reflection in the words talking about life and including a feature full of passion from Bring Me The Horizon.
Following is ‘Dancer’. Nothing falls short in this song, the beat is consistent and the vocals exude energy. There’s passion and fire that brings an excitement to the song matching perfectly with the lyrics, similar to the later track, ‘Mistake Like You’. It grips a soul-like essence and carries the heavy vocals of Sigrid perfectly, leading to the short interval of instrumental electric guitar, flooded with spirit and fire.
Rounding off ‘How To Let Go’ we’re given a break down of tempo. ‘Grow’ delivers with a sense of an acoustic tone. The solo use of the guitar provides an atmosphere, it has the capability of bringing the listener out of their mind and into their head. The melody is soft and heartfelt, slowly introducing small piano notes to really fulfil the songs sound. ‘High Note’ maintains the mellow accent but is slightly uplifted with the use of the light drum loops. There is a sentiment to the music that lasts well after the record has finished, a sense of closure and inspiration. “I want to go out on a high note”.
It’s safe to say Sigrid has exceeded expectations with this latest record. From track one to twelve, emotions trail up and down but quality remains consistent. Set to appear at Glastonbury and her own tour towards the end of the year, no doubt Sigrid will top the charts for 2022.
Words by Anna Scrimgeour
