What a way to start off 2015. The first CD in our mailbox was Chapter One, the debut album from the UK’s Ella Henderson, and it’s been the soundtrack to our daily commute ever since.
We can honestly say it’s the best album we’ve heard all year! And we’re not just being smug by saying that because we’re confident we’ll be proclaiming that fact as the clock ticks toward midnight this coming December 31. (Go ahead, make a note to ask us!)
Not since VV Brown’s debut in 2010 have we been as immediately head-over-heels in love with a collection of songs we’ve never heard.
Out tomorrow, the CD starts off with a bang with “Ghost” and takes the listener on an emotional journey that toggles between celebratory, empowering anthems to introspective ballads, all with equal precision and emotion.
Besides “Ghost,” our favorite is “Mirror Man,” a song that perfectly sums up every narcissist we’ve ever known.
As for Ella, we’ll give her a free pass to be full of herself for a bit if she chooses. She’s a true talent who deserves the spotlight and more than a little time to bask in it.
Just not too much time. We want Chapter Two sooner than later.
Chapter One, Ella Henderson
Digital Download, $9.99 on iTunes
Audio CD, $16.24 at amazon.com
www.ellahenderson.co.uk/US
