Breathe EP - Birdy

Birdy (real name Jasmine van den Bogaerde) has released a new EP titled Breathe, which includes various versions of select tracks from both of her albums, Birdy (2011) and Fire Within (2013). The young woman, hailing from Hampshire, England has a truly unbelievable voice. You would never guess from listening to her sing that she's only seventeen years old.

Breathe is short (as is any EP), yet incredibly powerful. In addition to two versions (one album version and one live performance recording) of Birdy's first breakthrough track, a cover of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love,' the album includes four additional tracks that are just as impressive. My personal favorite is the heartbreaking 'Without a Word.' While the songs are primarily mid-tempo ballads, they are still easily distinguishable from one another. Each song communicates its own heartfelt story through a mixture of gorgeous lyrics, passionate tone, and beautiful piano playing. The first track on the album, 'Wings' utilizes different instruments, creating a distinct yet recognizable sound. Each song showcases her talent.

Birdy reminds me a bit of a young Vanessa Carlton, albeit less pop oriented and with more of an alternative or indie vibe. Both artists have produced songs that you can listen to over and over again without their power dissolving, which unfortunately occurs quite often with catchy tunes. Birdy's songs are catchy in that their melodies hook you and make you want to put them on endless loop.

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