If you were to listen to Freya Ridings new self-titled album, your first thoughts would be something along the lines of: “this is haunting,” or “this is chilling,” or even “I swear I’ve heard this song before?”. With over 96 million Spotify streams, her number nine in the UK charts single “Lost Without You”, soared her to the attention of music lovers and adverts nationwide, with her emotive yet soul-stirring melodic voice.
If you are looking for a feel-good, summer anthem then this certainly is not it. However, if like me, you enjoy an album you can get lost in, whilst also reflecting back to times of your own past, then this would be the album for you.
Featuring 12 tracks, Freya’s new album is said to be one of the most promising to arise from the UK’s charts, whilst bringing a whole new meaning to thought-provoking music, with the use of piano ballads and a hint of melancholy. Opening with “Poison”, you are automatically drawn to the high-pitched piano sounds, setting the scene of minimalism and stripped back compositions. Though, do be mindful that this track does not reflect the quality of the rest of the album, as I personally feel it gets better track by track.
The fourth single on the album, “You Mean The World To me” has a moving resemblance to the beginning of Evanescence – “My Immortal”, with its lingering piano introduction. The song tells the story of a lovers fight, and the internal darkness one can have without quite knowing it – the lyrics “There’s a darkness that I’ve known, and it’s shaken me to stone,” details the way Freya dealt with a pain that has even shocked herself. As the lyrics goes on, so does the hurt and the internal questions of “What the hell is wrong with me, I am not this ice queen”.
Finishing with “Wishbone”, ends the tale of heartbreak by reflecting on her past mistakes and accepting that it is now time to move on, even though she isn’t ready to.
“Freya Ridings” clearly stems from a place of hurt, allowing the listener to provoke their own personal emotion and attach themselves to the song on a deeper level. The album itself pulls at the heartstrings and takes you to a place of longing whilst also captivating you with her beautifully haunting lyrics.
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