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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

Holly Miranda - Waves

Ok. So here we have yet another solo singer from across the pond.  Holly Miranda.

 

We’re focusing on a song that’s had a fair bit of hype of late, Waves. From the start of the track you are immersed in an unworldly sounds, the kind of poignantly evocative songs that the likes of Athlete and Keane explored in their early albums.

 

Simple drums carry the song through a fairly regular and uncomplicated progression of keyboard and organ licks. There’s nothing complex about this song. Despite its somewhat fixed structure, Holly remains flexible with her voice, and does make a song which would otherwise be reasonably dull, quite interesting.

 

Holly’s half-asleep vocals are reminiscent of such artists as Norah Jones, singers who sound as if they have just rolled out of bed and whispered some generic love songs in a lovers ear.

 

Features of the track like the tambourine and the keyboard  create a childish feel at times, and occasionally the keys even sound like a baby’s mobile.

 

Inevitably, the soothing voice of Holly is hard to dislike. Even if you might fall asleep listening to it.

 

Its nice to wander through a song which makes you feel as if you are high on something or other, but to make a name for yourself in a competitive industry, you still need a good chorus. I feel this is one thing the song lacks.

 

Holly Miranda is a love/hate artist. Either you buy into the slightly alternative take on the common truckload release style of quirky female solo artists, or you turn to artists like Florence and the Machine and appreciate the exceptional high quality of vocals, song writing, and realise how accessible they are.

 

I’m not slagging Holly off. She’s got a unique voice, a good image, and a music industry at her feet which is more open than its ever been. But I just feel that with some better production and more time spent on polishing her sound, she could really make the leap over the Atlantic and into the charts.
 

Its not surprising that Holly Miranda lists the likes of Nina Simone and Bjork as a major influence on her music. Unfortunately for Holly, the whole warbling, unusual vocal style isn’t backed up by great song writing despite what many journalists have claimed. Sure, she has a great voice, but I’m not sure that being a little different vocally is enough to make her big.