Reading Time: 2 min read

4.5 out of 5 stars

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


Final Thoughts 💭 

Bitmoji ImageMan, 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!

4.5 out of 5 stars


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

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.