Blood
Lianne La Havas · 2015
40 min · 10 tracks · folk music
Soulful melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a lush soundscape that blends folk roots with contemporary rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Unstoppable — This track opens the album powerfully with an infectious groove and assertive lyrics about resilience and self-empowerment, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
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Green & Gold — A standout single that features vibrant instrumentation paired with introspective storytelling about heritage and identity, embodying La Havas's unique style.
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What You Don't Do — This track showcases La Havas’s vocal prowess and emotional delivery as she explores themes of love and longing through its intricate arrangement.
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Tokyo — The song transports listeners with its lush production and vivid imagery, reflecting on travel and connection while maintaining a soulful vibe.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a mix of upbeat and introspective moments that create a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track shifts to a more subdued arrangement with minimal percussion.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between La Havas's voice and the backing harmonies.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, as the last two tracks emphasize introspective lyrics and softer instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove
- emotive vocals for reflection
- rich sound for intimate moments
- consistent flow throughout listening
- intricate guitar work appreciation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced tracks
- want standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 31, 2015, Blood is Lianne La Havas's second studio album following her critically acclaimed debut, Is Your Love Big Enough? This album marks a significant evolution in her artistry, showcasing a deeper exploration of her personal experiences and musical influences. After gaining recognition for her debut, La Havas solidified her place in the music world with this release, demonstrating growth both lyrically and sonically.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laura Mvula· Nina Simone· Erykah Badu
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Green & Gold
The bridge shifts focus to a dialogue about familial ties and cultural identity, emphasizing a sense of belonging amidst personal reflection.
This moment reveals La Havas's depth as a songwriter by intertwining personal narrative with broader themes of heritage, enriching the listener's experience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Unstoppable 5:30
- 2 Green & Gold 4:38
- 3 What You Don't Do 3:41
- 4 Tokyo 4:29
- 5 Wonderful 4:16
- 6 Midnight 3:30
- 7 Grow 3:39
- 8 Ghost 3:44
- 9 Never Get Enough 3:22
- 10 Good Goodbye 3:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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