“Halcyon” is a sweeping and emotional album from UK singer Ellie Goulding. Goulding is most known in the United States for her song “Lights,” which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 song chart.
Much of what made her song “Lights” a hit is present in the “Halcyon” album. Electronic beats are infused with emotional lyrics to create a melodic and mostly grandiose sound. However, the way the electronic beats are added to some songs detract the songs’ emotional weight. This is often the case in the last 5 songs of the album.
The album takes a listener through the journey of a difficult break-up. Ellie Goulding goes through all the steps of moving on from a relationship. She does not sound like she is whining about the break-up. If someone listens to songs individually, Goulding’s light, smooth voice adds a believable vulnerability to the songs. The lyrics are crafted in such a way that listeners will not feel that she is pathetic, forever holding on to a relationship that was not meant to work out.
If someone listens to the album in order, he or she may feel that Goulding regresses in the progress she made in getting over her break-up. Whoever ordered the tracks on “Halcyon” made some obvious missteps.
Most songs on “Halcyon” could easily be mixed up with other songs on the album. Anyone attempting to sing the first 4 tracks in the shower may get the lyrics mixed up. They all have similar beats and music. In the home stretch of the album, all the songs follow the same pattern: stripped, simplistic verses with electronic music in the background the choruses. This is not to say that the album is so repetitive, it’s unbearable. That’s not the case. The album blends well, but listeners may be a bit tired of the breezy, electronic music used throughout the album. The only track that does not use some sort of breezy, electronic music is “Figure 8.” “Figure 8” uses dubstep. The song also is reminiscent somewhat of a Florence + the Machines song from their latest album.
“Halcyon” is a good album. The music would be great for anyone looking for something to listen to on a quiet car ride or just chilling. The album is by no means groundbreaking, but it still strays a bit from the mainstream. As of now, “Halcyon” is at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 200 albums.
