LAURA MARLING: ‘SONG FOR OUR DAUGHTER’ ALBUM REVIEW
In the longest elapsed period of time between solo albums, Laura Marling revealed the early release of her seventh album during an Instagram Live Guitar lesson, accompanying the reveal with a premiere of the first single from the record: ‘Held Down.’
‘Song for Our Daughter’ is an album clearly distinct from the first six in terms of sentiment; she has confessed to being “much more into the rhythm of language now” but fear not, as folk-rock inspired guitar and poetic love-laced lyrics are as prominent as ever, along with a timeless 70’s feel.
10.7k Likes, 758 Comments - Laura Marling (@lauramarling) on Instagram: "Song For Our Daughter. ⠀ New album released 10th April. Link in bio."
The record is written to ‘The Girl’, Marling explained on her Instagram, as she seeks to give confidence to her imaginary/future daughter based on her own experience - an experience of “trauma and an enduring quest to understand what it is to be a woman in this society.” Her collection of beautiful folk tales are about “innocence being taken away prematurely’’ and the title track embodies “the idea you could arm the next generation in a way that you weren’t armed”.
The first three tracks of the album, including first release ‘Held Down’ have surprisingly poppy melodies; they are refreshingly upbeat, but not without the sharp cutting lyrics we’ve come to expect from Marling, discussing the nuances of love. Her voice surges, accompanied by layers of harmony, which evokes the feeling of multiple innocent versions of Marling urging ‘The Girl’ to absorb her advice.
The pace slows during the latter half of the album; the difference that was initially palpable is forgotten as you sink into a sense of familiarity (a result of the unmistakable tone of Marling’s voice). This is a more intimate album in which we can glimpse into the past and future, encouraged by Marling’s own confidence in what she is preaching. By the end, or more specifically, ‘The End Of The Affair’, you feel profoundly peaceful, united in innocence and experience.
The progression between Marling’s previous albums was subtle: each had a rising heaviness, her sound and voice simultaneously maturing into sultry, soulful tones. Each was also released, almost religiously, every two years, but whilst touring her last album ‘Semper Femina’, Marling left her record label and management and found herself with complete artistic freedom.
During this time, she collaborated with Mike Lindsay to create a duo named LUMP and also began studying for a degree in psychoanalysis. Both of these events have allowed Marling to step away from the comfortable familiarity of the household ‘folk’ name that she had become. Along with settling in London with a long term boyfriend, the now 30-year-old Marling is singing from a soul that is wise and content, so obviously portrayed through this new reflective era of her songwriting.
Listening to this album, characterised by soft strings, beautifully plucked guitar and alluring tones was an experience not too dissimilar to being sung lullabies. It is 35 minutes of a virtual hug, much needed in this time of chaos.
Being at home for the release of the album is unprecedented for this artist, as is having written the album there too. Whilst, as in ‘Blow by Blow’ (and like every single one of us), she is “trying to figure out what I will do with all my time” Marling is continuing to do live ‘Isolation Guitar Tutorials’ every Thursday and Sunday at 7pm for your gig fix. Head to her Instagram to get involved!
Listen to the album here: