Ellie Goulding, Power | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated British pop artist Ellie Goulding returns with her powerful second single of 2020, “Power.”

Ellie Goulding has served up her fair share of hits during her musical career.  The problem is, Ms. Goulding’s last studio album, Delirium, arrived in 2015!  Just in case you weren’t keeping tab, as of publication date, well, it’s 2020.  All indications suggest that a new EG album is on the horizon considering we’ve been given a number of new singles, just no release date.  She wowed on her first single of 2020, “Worry About Me” (featuring blackbear) and does the same on her powerful second single, “Power.”

First and foremost, anytime you discuss Ellie Goulding, the voice stands out.  She has quite the distinct, colorful instrument, something that is radiantly showcased on “Power.”  Goulding is never forced to over sing, with her gorgeous tone being incredibly potent all by itself.  Of course, stellar production work doesn’t hurt, and Jamie Scott and Jonny Coffer don’t let her down.  The sound is pop to the core, with plenty of sleek electronic touches in play.  This sound is fitting for Goulding, who paints on the backdrop with ease.

That leaves the theme and songwriting.  Where does the ‘power’ touted in the title come into play? Well, according to Goulding, her lover isn’t “really down for love,” they “Just want the power.” Basically, Ellie wants pure, true love, but she’s going to have to break things off if the course of the relationship doesn’t change (“No, I’m not chasing paper and I’m not faking neither / Take me higher or this will expire”).  It’s quite relatable, particularly chorus:

“Beautiful lies on a Friday night
Starting to wonder where we lost the magic
Head in the clouds, talking so loud, all I hear is static
I’m not a material girl
Everything in your world just feels like plastic
Wearing your crown, it’s pulling me down
You just want the power
You’re not really down for love
You just want the power
(The power).”

Final Thoughts

Once more, Ellie Goulding has delivered a pop bop.  “Power” has great vocals, great production, and relatable songwriting.  Now, the only thing left for Ms. Goulding to do? Release the album!

Ellie Goulding • “Power” • Polydor • Release: 5.22.20

Photo Credit: Polydor