album review: clare bowditch, the winter I chose happiness
Everyone finds themselves stuck in a rut once in a while. Absorbed in a state of emotion that you can’t seem to find the right words for. Whether you’ve had your heart broken, your spirits recently crushed or just plain old PMS, then you’ll know that there is nothing better than turning the music up loud and blaring a song that perfectly sums up your feelings to the world.
Finding that right melody is liking establishing your own personal ode. For every woman its different. However when you do find that lyrical representation of your life, one thing’s for sure – it feels damn good!
No one understands this better than songstress Clare Bowditch, whose recent album The Winter I Chose Happiness appears to be the best pick-me-up circulating the charts this spring.
As the title suggests, the album is a compilation of tracks focused around the search for true happiness and the innate strength in finding the better side of life. Bowditch sings about momentary experiences and emotions, the ones that often get you down and require a revaluation of circumstances. It is through this theme that she harnesses a charismatic sweetness that connects with her audience and takes them on a personal journey of female empowerment.
The indie musician opens the album with a welcoming of Jazz revival. Old time beats such as Let’s Get Happy Together play with a sense of flirtatiousness and sassiness that is reminiscent of the ‘60s club scene. This jazz infusion is carried through into the later track Cocky Lady, which offers all the embellishments of true entertainment.
Whilst this vintage reflectivity keeps listeners on their toes, the remainder of Bowditch’s album delves deeper into the reality of life’s trials and tribulations. Stand-out tracks such as Amazing Life emphasise the passion that drives this one of a kind voice. Her vocal fluency and moody tenor allow the heartfelt ballad to truly touch the depths of the soul.
Every aspect of the album is infused with a sense of drama that any woman can relate to. The brilliantly emotional hit You Make Me Happy is guaranteed to give goosebumps. The irrefutable melody has already been picked up by the TV show Offspring – where Bowditch also made a number of guest appearances.
With a multitude of talent it is clear that Bowditch is a woman on a mission, reigniting the happiness brought about through song. Her fifth album, The Winter I Chose Happiness demonstrates a unique craftsmanship. This carries through from her previous work Modern Day Addiction, which saw the singer later crowned ‘woman of the year’ by Rolling Stone Magazine.
So when you need to blare your sorrows away, give The Winter I Chose Happiness a go. It is sure to lift your spirits and bring back that girl power that we all have inside.
By Ashley Jenkins
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