Touted as the next big star for 2010, 23 year old Ellie Goulding effortlessly blends her acoustic guitar with light electronics to create quirky pop tunes that are as charming as they are catchy.
Having already picked up the Brits Critic's Choice Award and topped the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, Herefordshire native Ellie Goulding has been well as truly tipped for the top in 2010. It's not hard to see why, when the 23 year old has a voice so soft and fragile it seems if you pushed her over she'd break. Like her voice, Ellie's music is light and effervescent, and what's better, it's catchy as hell.
Each of the ten tracks on Lights glistens with subtle electronic touches and twinkling effects, all underscored by Ellie's acoustic guitar. 'Under The Sheets' and 'Starry Eyed' were perfect choices for her first two singles, with strong beats and hooks making them perfect for radio airplay. Meanwhile the sharp attention paid to even the smallest of details give these tracks a certain longevity. 'Wish I'd Stayed' seems to bend and skip at every turn, while echoing piano kick starts sweetly sung ballad 'The Writer', later joined by understated strings for a beautifully harmonised bridge.
Though at no point does Lights become downbeat, Goulding somehow conveys feelings of loss and longing despite the brightness of the melodies. This means that closer 'Salt Skin', the only track that's even vaguely sullen, takes advantage of its unique status here to become one of the album's highlights. Beginning with a watery quality, it sounds as if it could be on the soundtrack to The Beach, before breaking into a magnificent soul-influenced chorus, never forgetting those invigorating electronic drum beats.
True, 80s influences are sometimes a touch too prominent. With the dated synths that saturate its chorus, 'I'll Hold My Breath' sounds like an out-and-out homage to Wham. Apart from this slight misstep, Lights is a wonderful album from start to finish. Starry Eyed indeed.
