Sultry, multitracked a capella harmonies open Lianne La Havas’ debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? with “Don’t Wake Me Up”; a captivating introduction to the 23-year-old London singer’s smooth vocal talent.
Tightly produced by Matt Hale of Aqualung notoriety, Is Your Love Big Enough? isn’t an exclusively love-drunk collection of musical gushing or a traditionally angst ridden ‘break-up’ album.
Rather, La Havas seems to have recorded a kind of musical scrapbook from her vastly intimate collation of experiences. Ye olde heartbreak of course is covered with piano ballad “Lost & Found”, sounding heavily reminiscent of an India.Arie song with the simplicity of its arrangement and characteristically self affirming lyrical content.
“Age”, on the other hand, is an easy-listening jazz-inspired declaration of adoration for her mature boyfriend. Ironically, the title track stands as the only song not to share the album’s otherwise unanimous theme of love.
Considering the potential to reveal some raw level of emotion in the recounting of such experiences, there is a generally safe sense of restraint behind this album.
Where artists with a similar flair, such as Jill Scott, will build their vocal momentum towards something passionate, gritty, or exposing, La Havas maintains a reliably inoffensive thread throughout her debut, which can be frustrating; particularly when her vocal ability to really let loose is so apparent.
At times this music is just begging for some level of friction.
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While the album won’t satisfy the inner masochist in many, who enjoy a kick to the gut from listening to love songs, it’s perfect for those who prefer to have their insides caressed by a stunning vocal performer.
In light of the album’s polished, highly accessible tone, cafes the world over should be picking up on Is Your Love Big Enough? any day now.
