Gabrielle Aplin, “Skylight” | Track Review

English singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin shines on her hypnotic single, “Skylight” – a terrific gift to close out 2021.

“L

ife gets so loud / We don’t need to listen / You make me feel like Friday / When I’m Sunday PM.”  Can you say #vibes? There’s nothing better than a record that sounds celestial – utterly sublime! English singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin gives listeners everywhere a ‘slice of heaven’ with her love-fueled single, “Skylight”.  Sure, heaven only lasts four minutes, but both your ears and spirit will be blessed!

“Skylight” commences with drumstick clicks, followed by a lush, warm instrumental preceding vocals by Aplin.  The production ( Mike Spencer) is marvelous, consisting of an awesome drum groove, rich bass line, and lovely pad/keys.  The aesthetic and vibe of the instrumental set up Gabrielle for success before she sings one note.  That said, once Aplin sings, she’s a surefire star.  Her vocals are marvelous!  She sings with ease, never forcing things – it embodies a state of sheer bliss. I love her upper register on the chorus, arguably the best moment of the entire song.

“We don’t need to rush this feeling, feeling

Trying is a waste of time

We don’t need to rush, just breathe out, breathe in

Flying is a state of mind.”

Awe-inspiring! She does get a run for her own money with the electrifying ad-libs she serves up as the record percolates and progresses.  They are smooth yet also pack some punch – exhibit some oomph! Besides the talented singer, amplifying the excellence of “Skylight” is its tuneful, magical melody.  Also working hard toward its success is well-rounded songwriting (Aplin, Anna Straker, Josie Mann, and Liz Horsman) and a relatively straightforward form.

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Final Thoughts  

Man, oh man, do I heart “Skylight”! This is a magnificent record that hypnotizes you from start to finish.  All boxes are checked off:  terrific vocals, memorable, well-rounded songwriting, and stellar production.  I dare anyone find any rubs with these four minutes of greatness!

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Gabrielle Aplin • “Skylight” • Never Fade / AWAL • 12.24.21
[: AWAL, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Never Fade, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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