Since her appearance on the BBC's "Later ... with Jools Holland" in the fall of 2011, the excitement around Lianne has quickly spread across the UK, Europe and the US. Appearing on that same episode of "Later ..." was Bon Iver, which quickly led to an offer for Lianne to open their December North American tour. "As soon as we saw her play it was so refreshing; somebody who could play their instrument, somebody who could use their voice, but in their own way. She is just fantastic," Bon Iver's Justin Vernon told Esquire (UK).La Havas says that Is Your Love Big Enough? "acts almost like a map of the route I have taken through life, through love, in the past three years. The title is a question that mixes challenge, defiance, impatience, determination, pride, and, above all, passion. It demands an answer."
M**Y
Brilliant, eclectic new talent
She can belt it out, and she can be soft and breathy. She uses a wide variety of voice qualities in her debut album. The musical arrangements are often polyrhythmic in this genre-crossing album that reflects the diverse musical influences of her childhood.I learned of this album from a review on National Public Radio, so prospective purchasers might want to visit the NPR website to get another perspective on this artist and her first album.
J**E
Takes getting use to, first
The British singer Lianne has such a beautiful, silky voice. Very special and for me hard to compare to anyone else. It took me 2 to 3 times listening before I really liked the CD. It's not everyone's taste. Actually it takes me back to the beginning of the 70th. Very nice lyrics! Almost like poetry.
J**R
A Debut Big Enough to Love for a Long While
This gem fits right into the growing jewel-box of the jazz-and-folk-laced, original, female-POV R&B style spearheaded by the likes of Esperanza Spalding, Laura Mvula, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Corinne Bailey Rae. The title track is driven by a punchy, 6/4 rhythm that grabs the ears and won’t let go. Likewise, the Tarzan-like, chromatic harmonies of “Forget” make this one the clarion highlight. “Gone” rivals Adele’s “Someone like You” for reaching the soul of heartbreak. But beyond the sophisticated musicianship, the lyrics go deep as well. “Age” addresses the discriminatory glances afforded May-September romances. ”Lost & Found” is a tender reflection on post-romantic self-affirmation. La Havas is strong, definitely an artist to watch, considering this is only her debut. It certainly is big enough to love for a long while.
A**H
I am Lianne
After insisting that my friend open her ears to the sounds of Ms. La Havas, she agreed that this is a case of mistaken identity. I am Lianne. From the song subject, down to the quirky style.Her music is soulful, playful, and FULL of emotion. But not it a weepy, poor me way. Her feelings come across in her voice, which can be deep and rich or light and airy. She makes you think you are running around in London falling in love. Not the same as falling in love in Paris, that's too cinematic.In the same way that she whisks you away, she stares in your face with songs like Everything, Everything. If it were a movie one lover would confront the other and declare with all certainty "There's nothing to say, you're eyes said it all..." and the other would just sit there agreeing by their silence.How often do we get to hear a great voice, real lyrics, and music that inspires a mischievous smile? That up to something grin belongs to none other than Lianne La Havas... and that would be me.
F**Y
Great pop record
What more can we say about Lianne La Havas. This is more spare than her second record but she is one of the most talented pop singer-songwriters of her generation. She refuses to bend to convention or trends and her songs are honest and revealing. And oh yeah that voice--that extraordinary voice. Great pop record.
A**R
What I've Been Looking For
This album is amazing! After I saw her sing "Age", on YouTube, I had to buy the album and was not disappointed with the impulse buy. Her voice is incredible, they chose the perfect melodies, tones, and intensities throughout the album to display it. I love most of the songs she wrote. Overall her songwriting is wonderful. I haven't been caring too much for R&B/Soul for a while and this album reminds me why I loved R&B/Soul in the first place. When I first got the album, I started with "Age" and went from there. Don't get me wrong, the first few songs are really good but I fell in love with (about) the last of the album. I thought it couldn't get better than "Everything, Everything" but then I heard "Empty". Other favorites are "Elusive", "Age", and "Forget" (but the whole album is great).
A**R
Great artist
Bought both Blood and Is Your Love Big Enough? albums from Lianne La Havas after seeing her on the Tiny Desk Concerts on YouTube. She makes it seem effortless, like beautiful music just pours out of her. Her voice just makes you want to sit back and dream about a better life. I can't choose a clear favorite between the albums because they both sound great, but Blood probably comes out on top.
A**R
Sparkling ✨ ✨
Boy does this girl have melodic vocals! I could listen to her for a few hours!! I just love her gorgeous singing voice! 🎤🎶💛Some of my favorite tracks on the album are "Au Cinema", "Age", "Elusive" and "Everything Everything". May her other album be just as gripping or more so!!4.4 stars.
Trustpilot
4 days ago
5 days ago
