Review: Elles Bailey – Beneath The Neon Glow
Cooking Vinyl (August 9th, 2024)
Reviewer: Paul Dubbelman
If Elles Bailey’s back catalogue is anything to go by, then it is reasonable to expect that her fourth studio release ‘Beneath the Neon Glow‘ is going to be something special. Produced by Dan Weller (Enter Shakira), recorded at Middle Farm Studios, and released on Cooking Vinyl Records on August 9th, that expectation is not only met, it is exceeded by a long way.
Backed by her touring band of Joe Wilkins (guitar) Jonny Henderson (keys), Matthew Jones (Drums) and Matthew Waer (bass) and featuring backing vocal by the likes of Demi Marriner, Katy Brooks and others, ‘Beneath the Neon Glow‘ has that that almost-live feel that give the songs a very tangible energy. The 10 tracks on the album (12 on the deluxe version) carry the theme of love, in all its forms and guises, from the pain of heartbreak, through long-term love of a partner, to perhaps the most important form, self-love. Regardless of the subject, though, what stands out is Elles exceptional lyrical ability, every song/story painting pictures with words that make you smile or make you cry, and that smoky, sultry voice that embraces you like a warm, aural, hug.
The five singles already released give a strong indication of the quality of the album and encourage both fans and newcomers to Elles to give ‘Beneath the Neon Glow‘ a go. ‘Enjoy the Ride‘ was the first released, and is a total road-trip tune with the immortal advice to “Sit Back, buckle Up, Enjoy the Ride” and if that is not a metaphor how to live then I don’t know what is. “Leave A Light On” is a love letter to Elles husband, and the simple act of leaving a light on to guide your partner home. What the other singles, ‘If this is Love‘, “Ballad of a Broken Dream‘, and recent release ‘1972‘ have in common with the rest of the album is that strong lyrical content, and the quality of the production. There is so much to love about ‘Beneath the Neon Glow‘, the little phrases that just catch in your ear, the way your feet just start tapping and the way you feel yourself smiling, the songs that you will be humming for days after.
‘Beneath the Neon Glow‘ is a powerful album, with great depth and detail, and one that will be top many awards lists this year. As Elles says, “Sit Back, Buckle Up, Enjoy the Ride”
Get yourself a copy here
Track Listing:
- Enjoy The Ride [03:39]
- Ballad of a Broken Dream [05:12]
- Leave The Light On [03:19]
- 1972 [02:48]
- Silhouette In a Sunset [04:10]
- Truth Ain’t Gonna Save Us [03:54]
- If This Is Love [03:01]
- Let It Burn [04:49]
- Love Yourself [04:57]
- Turn off The News [03:56]
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