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Birdy ignites The Fire Within with new album

 

Birdy, the 18-year-old singer from Hampshire, England, has been on our radar for a while now. We featured the talented chick in our April/May 2014 issue and even recently did a Q & A with the rising star (read it here!).
You may be familiar with some of the tunes she contributed to The Fault in Our Stars soundtrack, like “Best Shot” and “Tee Shirt,” and her newest release is packed with even more original songs for fans to look forward to.
Birdy is finishing up her run across America with Christina Perri on the Head or Heart Tour and will soon be performing at summer music festival across the globe. You can pick up The Fire Within when it’s released in the U.S. June 3. Undecided about picking up this gal’s album? Read on for our in-depth review of each track.
“Skinny Love”

Birdy’s cover of Bon Iver’s Grammy-winning song has been on our playlists for some time now, but we’re still not over how completely magical it is. This tune is the perfect way to showcase the singer’s awe inspiring vocal range. Plus, it perfectly eases listeners’ ears into a full length stocked with the singer’s own tunes.

“Wings”

The video for this tune is still completely fanciful. As the debut single from the album, Birdy definitely drew in audiences with her raw and undeniable talent. And if you think this song has touches of OneRepublic in it, that’s because 1R singer and Grammy-winning producer Ryan Tedder produced the track.

“Heart of Gold”

Here’s where the uncharted territory comes in. Birdy adds some truly eclectic elements into her usual piano-based fodder. Vocally, her dramatic and emotionally charged moments remind us so much of another Brit songstress—Adele—and she utilizes synth to create depth and drama.

“Light Me Up"

This next track possess a certain momentum that we’re pretty much infatuated with. By kicking off her album with the familiarity of “Skinny Love,” Birdy took us completely by surprise with this tune. She sings powerfully about having a certain someone there to lift you up, or light you up, when you’re not at your best. We all need someone like that, don’t we?

“Words as Weapons

The steady drumbeat and traveling guitar in this tune, also her latest single, are what captivated us right away. There’s on old saying that goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” And there’s a definite strength that comes with not letting the words of others get under your skin, which is something Birdy has figured out at a young age. Her weapon? Not shedding a single tear.

Watch the music video for “Words as Weapons” below…

 

“All You Never Say”

Being in limbo with a crush or your sweetie is the absolute worst. Clearly, Birdy understands that firsthand. Her voice sounds almost on the edge of tears as she sings about a love that just wouldn’t commit to her. She lyrically admits, “If only I could look into your mind.” What we wouldn’t give for some mindreading powers when it comes to romance…

“Strange Birds”

She truly uses her nickname “Birdy” to her advantage here by singing about flying and “wounded wings.” Things get majorly amped up in this song, too. Heavy strings crossed with theatric piano and intensely layered vocals that are reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love” live make us love this song that much more.

“Maybe”

The entire album becomes a so much lighter with this track—as if all the weight was suddenly lifted off of Birdy’s shoulders. Acoustic guitars and subtle shakers fuel the song and create its steady tempo. The word “maybe” carries a lot of hope, don’tcha think? Whether it’s landing your first job, making the soccer team or acing your final exams, you should believe it’s possible. Birdy would know. She’s a totally talented 18-year-old who has been writing her own music since the young age of 8, after all.

“No Angel”

The mood dips back down on this track but we totally love it nonetheless. Inevitably, sometimes we hurt the ones who are important to us and they’re not the only ones who suffer. In turn, everyone usually ends up feeling the blow, which is what Birdy describes on this tune. This song also has a certain subtle epic nature that we believe would be just perfect for a movie soundtrack (John Green’s next flick perhaps?).

  

“All About You”

In this tune, Birdy sings to someone that she cares deeply about, but they just don’t understand it. We’re totally digging the electric guitar that creeps in during the bridge, too. It intensifies the sentiment that Birdy is explaining: you don’t have to be alone, but one can only do so much when they’re completely being pushing you away.

“Standing in the Way of the Light”

Love is a common theme on The Fire Within and this tune is no exception. Again we are treated to Birdy’s captivatingly impressive vocal range and one-of-a-kind lyrics. The bass and drums build up to the powerful chorus where Birdy showcases a little more falsetto than she has on previous tracks.

“Shine”

It’s obvious that Birdy is all about light and illumination. The keys are her friend again on this track and she keeps it simple by pairing it with her airy and angelic voice. She sings, “If your heart tells you to then who are you to question it?” That message is as old as time: follow your heart, girl.

“People Help the People”

In her final track, Birdy lets the musical instruments take primary importance. The lyrics take a strong hold on your heart, but their simplicity makes them easy to keep them there. The bridge is mostly instrumental, accompanied only by Birdy’s ad-libbed vocals. And if you’re a total music nerd (like us!) then this song probably reminds you of The Beatles.

GL girls, are you pumped to hear Birdy’s first full length The Fire Within when it’s released in the U.S. on June 3? Share in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Boo George

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by Sydney Adamson | 2/1/2016
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