Emeli Sandé – How Were We To Know (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 41:19 minutes | 511 MB | Genre: Pop, R&B, Female Vocal
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Chrysalis Records
Introduced to the world ten years ago, Emeli Sandé MBE has become an icon of British singer-songwriting; emotional, honest, and prolific in the kind of manner that cements you as a go-to artist for heartfelt pop sensibility. This latest pop record is reminiscent of 2012, when Emeli had her first breakout hit.
How Were We To Know is Emeli’s second independent album release through Chrysalis Records. “There was a lot I wanted to say about myself, and I hope that through the lyrics people will get to understand me on a deeper level.”
How Were We To Know’s 11 tracks explore intimate encounters with love in all its forms, along with the risk required to pursue it. “Once you’ve been hurt, it’s very hard to pick up the pieces again and allow yourself to be vulnerable,” Sandé says. “So I think these songs explore the bravery of love, and loving others but also yourself. These songs were pieces of a puzzle I had to put together, and now feels like the right time to share them.”
The album features production from Jonny Coffer (Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus), Jim Jonsin (ASAP Rocky, Usher, Eminem), DI Genius (Drake, Raye, Sean Paul), Rxwntree, Chris Loco and Mac and Phil.On her fifth R&B-inflected album, British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé makes pop music for grown-ups. “I put my heart on my wrist, don’t wanna bleed no more … You can put the blame on me, I swear/ Even though it hurts, I’ll still be there for you,” she sings on “There For You.” It is about, she has said, continuing to feel love for exes after the relationships are over. “Even if I’m pissed off with them for a couple of years, I’ll always care for them, I’ll always want to know they’re OK. Because once you’ve committed to that love with someone, it doesn’t just go away.” Big, sweeping R&B track “All This Love” focuses on being dumped way before you’re ready: “Since you stopped calling me baby/ Things have been a little bit shady/ Been jumping out of aeroplanes/ Racing in the fastest lanes,” she sings, wildly self-aware but unable to control herself. “What am I supposed to do with all this love?” Sandé implores, going from curious to desperately confused to ecstatic, her voice reaching a new high plane with seemingly no choice but to spread all that love around. The title track, a swelling breakup ballad, is equally powerful. Sandé’s words suggest she’s wounded and taking on blame—”We could’ve done better/ But sooner or later/ We stopped all love letters”—but it doesn’t stop her from flying to the rafters while, beneath her, crisp, cool, giant drum beats fire off shocks to the system. That drum style also carries “End of Time,” a bit of gospel soul that allows Sandé to get showy with her soprano. “My Boy LIkes to Party” is adult contemporary with a nervous edge, thanks to a skittering beat and iced, machinated effects on Sandé’s vocals before she leans into the interesting rushed bridge. “Lighthouse,” meanwhile, eases back with tropical dub rhythms and a slow-spinning shimmer that compliments the huskier shadow of her velvet-soft voice. It’s a bit Alicia Keys-esque, as is soulful piano track “Love”—which highlights Sandé’s remarkable control as she impressively alternates between dove coos and strongly delivered words. There are other familiar touchstones here, too. You can imagine Beyoncé from a different era—circa B’Day, perhaps—tackling songs like “True Colours” or “Nothing We Can’t Handle.” – Shelly Ridenour
Tracklist:
1. Emeli Sandé – All This Love (03:30)
2. Emeli Sandé – My Boy Likes To Party (03:25)
3. Emeli Sandé – Lighthouse (03:21)
4. Emeli Sandé – How Were We To Know (03:12)
5. Emeli Sandé – Too Much (02:54)
6. Emeli Sandé – Nothing We Can’t Handle (03:32)
7. Emeli Sandé – Like I Loved You (03:32)
8. Emeli Sandé – There For You (04:25)
9. Emeli Sandé – True Colours (03:40)
10. Emeli Sandé – End Of Time (03:59)
11. Emeli Sandé – Love (05:45)
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