Former West-End child star Eliza Doolittle steps back into the spotlight with second-album In Your Hands, following her colossal collaboration with Disclosure on You and Me.
In a recent interview with the London Evening Standard, Eliza described how only now she feels as though she’s stepping out of the shadow of her famous stage-family, and it’s clear she’s really grown up and developed her sound with this record.
With much of the album written and recorded following Eliza’s post break-up from Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden; she really does a good job at opening up. Opening track, Waste of Time, acts as the perfect intro as one of the stand out songs from the album, so raw and beautiful.
Leading-single, Big When I Was Little, a really fun tune, charming and a classic 90’s throwback! A truly celebratory track, combining Eliza’s effortless vocals with her distinctive jazzy backing. By contrast, the second single, Let It Rain is completely different. A very classical sound, so smooth and compelling. What’s more, a wonderful message about the importance of failure in life. Beautiful song, perfect message – what more could you ask for?
In Your Hands has such a great, chilled vibe it no doubt makes for perfect travelling music. This is largely down to the fact that unlike many other self-proclaimed singer-songwriter’s these days it’s not over-produced and very true to her, as with Hush, a piano tune allowing Eliza’s vocals to take centre-stage.
There’s something charming about each and every song, take Euston Road – a tune about being caught up in the rat race of life, with an almost R ‘n’ B twist, as does the very natural Make Up Sex.
Missing Kissing, one of the later tracks of the album, made me realise Eliza has developed a style that I would describe as talkative-singing, sort of an advanced Kate Nash. Much is the same in Back Packing, probably the most atmospheric track from In your Hands, showing a different side to her musical ability.
Other than my initial disappointment that Eliza’s piano version of You and Me wasn’t included in the album, I was pleasantly surprised at just how good a record this is. She’s grown-up, big time, and this is an exceptionally melodic, natural album – top marks Miss Doolittle!
by Mikey Smith
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