Laura Marling has released her seventh studio album, ‘Song For Our Daughter’. Recorded with her long-time producer Ethan Johns, it’s available much earlier than planned in light of the Covid19 crisis.
After 2017’s ‘Sempa Femina’, Marling was acutely aware of writing the same song over and over. She has since teamed with Tuung’s Mike Lindsay to release an album under the LUMP moniker (another due this year) and, enrolled on a master’s degree in Psychoanalysis.
Taking more difficult roads has led to ‘Song For My Daughter’. This is Marling’s attempt to write about subject matter that isn’t personal and, musically, a bid to leave her archetypal song structures behind.
At points, the changes are more overt than others. Album opener ‘Alexandra’, signifies the shift towards character driven tales and, the brief use of gospel backing vocals gives Marling new textures to explore.
‘Held Down’ witnesses her and Johns’ production skills being freed up. A more panoramic vision is being painted, alongside her personal relationship trauma. Elements of King Creosote’s Celtic electronica subtly meet the emotive genius of Bon Iver on this offering.
‘Blow by Blow’ is Marling’s homage to Paul McCartney’s solo career. Although, it is the classic work of Joni Mitchell that shines brighter. Despite the beauty of the sonic, an undercurrent of bitterness lurks:
“I don’t what to else to say / I think I’m doing fine / trying to figure out what I will do all my time / Tell them what you what, I will own up to what is mine”
The fragility and innocence on display, is likely something all will clutch closer to their hearts amid the current lockdown. Marling hasn’t just offered you entertainment, she has given her soul.
Title track ‘Song For Our Daughter’, is an ode to imagined daughter. A stunning piece of art. The hopes and fears we all have for the young come to fruition on this cinematic classic. With friends, partners, and elderly relatives isolated and at risk, Marling’s wisdom becomes a heart-warming letter from a friend.
For the first time in Marling’s glittering career, she has transcended folk music. The roots remain, but, the beauty of it all is mesmeric. Marling is an icon already but now, she has joined the elite of Mitchell, Young, Denny and Browne.