A month ago, when Ellie Goulding was asked about working on Halcyon in seclusion, she said, “I didn’t let stuff outside of the studio affect me whatsoever on ‘Halcyon’. I really did shut myself off to keep myself grounded. I went into the studio and once the door closed everything was inside the studio. Anything emotional was just kind of locked in with me and then anything else was outside. It was really the perfect situation because where the studio was out in the countryside and it was where I grew up and everything just knitted together so perfectly”. (Source)
There’s so much truthfulness in this 25-year-old’s (sometimes tragic) voice that it’s hard to not want to trust her with all your heart. So be prepared to instantly warm up to Ellie once again hen you pick up her second LP, “Halcyon”.
The term halcyon alone refers to a time of tranquility, peace, and happiness. After giving the album a good listen (a few times, on repeat), we’ve decided that there wouldn’t have been a title better suited for it.
Let’s start with the first single, “Anything Could Happen”:
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Cute beats, check. Chirpy piano, check. Choir-ish backup vocals, check. Ellie’s ethereal voice, check. And we reckon that if a producer picks this up to remix (read: butcher), it could easily become a pumping club track. Also, we strongly advise you to pay attention to the lyrics – or Google it.
So you don’t know the secret I’ve been trying to hide.
We held our breath to see our names are written,
On the wreck of ’86.
That was the year I knew the panic was over.
Yes since we found out, since we found out,
That anything could happen.
Somebody give Ellie a medal already!
When we heard that “Halcyon” will also feature a collaboration with DJ/producer Calvin Harris, we were over the moon. You may remember Calvin Harris from this year’s big 2012 MTV Video Music Awards news, where he bagged two awards (“Video of the Year” and “Best Electronic Video”).
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So yes, need we explain further why we were excited?
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Listen to the elements in “I Need Your Love” and tell us that it wasn’t world-class genius. Synths, bass, and a dabbling with the xylophone, we love how it evokes all our senses and we can’t say it enough.
And while we’re still on the topic of Ellie’s magic in working with electronic dance music (EDM) maestros, let us introduce you to the dramatic sounding, foot-stomping “Figure 8“:
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A banging tune from the beginning, we held our breaths with this one while waiting for the “drop”. If we didn’t know better, we’d think that Skrillex worked on this one with her. So this one calls for a two-part props. Firstly, props to producer MONSTA for making it awesome. Seriously, can you not make out the dubstep in this one?
And secondly:
I’m buried in the snow, but something tells me I’m not alone.
But lovers hold on to everything, and others hold on to anything.
I chased your love around a figure 8, I need you more than I can take.
You promised forever and a day, and then you take it all away.
Props to Ellie for the beautifully written yet potent lyrics. She’s so talented, so packed with her own brand of love, and she can’t help it! This alt-pop princess is going to go a far and long way – and believe us, we’re going to be there with her every step of the way.
“Halcyon” is out now at a music store near you. We beg you to pick up a physical copy or purchase it off iTunes. Right now. To listen to/watch more of Ellie via her VEVO, click! You may also send her your love via her Twitter account.
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