Review of new Emily Keener album entitled ‘Breakfast’

Emily Keener released her new album, Breakfast, on Nov. 18. The seventeen-year old singer-songwriter was most recently seen in the top 12 on The Voice.

 

Emily Keener released her new album, Breakfast, on Nov. 18. The 17-year old singer-songwriter is an Ohio native. The artist began teaching herself how to play guitar at 11 and started writing songs the following year. Audiences will recognize Keener from The Voice, where she made it into the top 12. Keener already has three EPs and two LPs under her belt. All of this experience can be heard on her new album Breakfast.

 

Breakfast opens with “Fire & Brimstone.” Listeners are immediately struck by the age in Keener’s voice. Her vocal quality is smooth, with a depth and soul one does not expect in somebody so young. Sparse instrumentation here accentuates the artist’s sound without pulling attention from her singing. Well-placed strings compliment the deeper percussion and vocals.

The second track on this record, “Lorelei,” presents a faster tempo and less somber tone. Though not as strong as the opening track, it tells a relatable story, thereby maintaining listener attention. Immediately following, “Light & Sound” sits someplace between “Fire & Brimstone” and “Lorelei” in mood and tone. Here, Keener demonstrates a wider vocal range.

It’s personal with Emily Keener

Throughout Breakfast, it is clear that Keener writes from a personal place. Many of the tracks feel like stories rather than simple lyrics. The artist’s voice ranges from a Lorde to Lily Allen sense, depending on the track. However, she is not overly referential. Listeners will be pleased to find a young artist with a clear voice.

 

 

A few highlights on Breakfast are “Elevator” and “Waste My Time.” The former presents a good combination of heartfelt vocals, accessible material and dynamic arrangement. This mellow tune is captivating and devoid of undue pageantry. “Waste My Time,” on the other hand, has a folk-infused rhythm and an upbeat mood. Breakfast closes with “The Things I Do.” A sorrowful and introspective tune, it is somewhat reminiscent of older acts like Simon & Garfunkel.

Throughout Breakfast, Emily Keener delivers interesting and genuine feeling songs. Her perspective appears to be rather dark – which is both captivating and saddening at times. Listeners can look forward to experiencing the artist’s music as she continues to grow and mature.

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