Singer-songwriter music has always been hit-or-miss with me. Being able to captivate me and listeners with stories that I may not be familiar with is more of a difficult task than some would expect. There are three components that must work in tandem for it to succeed in the message delivered. First are the lyrics that could range from simplistic to cryptic but must be descriptive and use powerful language. The second is the singer’s ability to provide evocative vocal performances that match the lyrics. Topping it off are the instrumentals that match the mood of the lyrics to create a cohesive piece where each part pushes the message. For some like myself, the instrumentals must also be interesting in order to capture attention. Without one of these aspects the message can get lost in translation and lose the power behind it.

Laura Marling has proven overtime that she could succeed in each department. On a record like I Speak Because I Can, she captures a level of wisdom most develop with age. The fact that she was in her early 20’s at the time showed she was smarter than her age may imply. From record to record she has remained consistent with this wisdom while delivering brief and insightful perspectives unaddressed by many. Backing her were creative folk instrumentation that gave her records life. Her last solo record Semper Femina slightly switched things up adding in more pop elements and alternative tropes which really dulled the record for me. It’s still a good record, but her bold messages about femininity got lost in translation with vocal performances and instrumentation that felt uninspired.

Her newest record Song For Our Daughter takes a step back from experimenting with new sounds and provides a collection of stripped back folk performances. This leads to some powerful songs that follow the loose theme of songs in which a mother would give their daughter to prepare her for the world ahead. Take the opener “Alexandra” which takes inspiration from Leonard Cohen’s “Alexandra Leaving” and ponders over where and how this woman is today after being pushed aside like an object. All of this over sultry acoustic chords that are strummed with force. There’s also the melancholic “Only The Strong” which is very low key in its instrumental, but that cello in the back accents Laura Marling’s mellow crooning so well as she speaks about overcoming love and framing love as “a sickness killed by time”. “The End of The Affair” is in a similar vein with its message of getting over an affair and accepting the outcome which reveals newfound freedom in life. Laura Marling’s voice sounds crestfallen on the track, but that vocal swell when she says “I love you, goodbye” emits an emotion of breaking free. The closer, “For You”, is one of my favorite track on here for its more eclectic instrumental palette of subtly plucked guitar solos and up-beat woodwinds among other elements over mellow baritone hums and a swaying acoustics.

Unfortunately, the stripped back presentation is a double-edged sword that leaves some songs feeling undercooked. A song like “Blow By Blow” leaves me underwhelmed by its standard slow piano progression and simple orchestral strings. It’s a bummer when considering the lyrics tackle the concept of discovering the good in every setback in life. The instrumental overall comes off as boring which causes a disconnect in the emotional aspect. Same thing with “Hope We Meet Again” which has a bland folk arrangement that is a loss of potential for more substance. There’s also “Strange Girl” which is more of a country song for its frolicking pace and twangy chords, but the switch in sound doesn’t save it. Laura Marling sings in a more standard vocal style instead of her typical gravitas and/or sultrous humming which is underwhelming over the faster pace of the track. If I was nitpick, I must point out the pianos on “Held Down” that are blended nicely with the guitars, but once in awhile a single sour note will pierce through at random times. It’s a minor gripe, but for me once I notice something like that it is hard to ignore. This same issue does pop up on other tracks, but they’re not as noticeable as on “Held Down”.

I still think Song For Our Daughter is a good album. There is still that keen wisdom of Laura Marling’s that works well with these songs that are meant for the daughter she may have one day. Having such knowledge and passing it on to make sure one’s daughter stays safe in the world once they leave the nest is important as a parent as well as a sweet sentiment. When it comes to the instrumental shift, I expect many are going to adore her stripped back presentation that teeters between elegant singer-songwriter acoustics and bare indie folk. Personally, it leaves something to be desired and loses the emotional depth in which I love to hear from singer-songwriters. That being said, Song For Our Daughter still has some great moments that shine above the rest that are evocative and insightful making this worth a listen.

Best Tracks: “Alexandra”; “Only the Strong”; “Song For Our Daughter”; “The End of the Affair”; “For You”

Worst Track: “Strange Girl”

Rating: 7/10

Released: 04/10/2020

Label: Partisan Records/Chrysalis Records

Genres: Singer-Songwriter, Indie Folk, Chamber Folk

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RATING SCALE

Perfect Excellent Great Very Good Good Meh Disappointing Bad Horrible Pitiful Bottom of the Barrel