Exhilarating, consistent and nostalgic
Higher than Heaven, Ellie Goulding’s’ fifth studio album, released on April 7, 2023. After a three year wait, Goulding delivers sounds that are both nostalgic and modern, with heavy ‘80s synth pop and disco pop influences. This album aligns with recent trends in pop music of heavy use of ‘80s synths and electronic drums in tracks with powerful and dynamic vocal performances.
The first track, “Midnight Dreams”, has a disco pop beat with an ‘80s feel. The energy is high, and opens the album in preparation for the fire that it holds. The next song, “Cure for Love” also keeps this energy and disco pop sound–but what really sticks out is the interesting rhythms in the vocals during the verses. Adding diverse musical elements like this keeps the listener enticed in the album especially with the amount of synth pop flowing into each other.
“By the End of the Night” has all the classic ‘80s synth pop elements. The ‘80s snares in the percussion and the arpeggiated synth takes the listener back forty years. The vocal performance is almost robotic, but still pleasing to the ears. The lyrics contain an overwhelming amount of excitement about a lover, and this energy surges throughout the listener’s body, which is common throughout the entire album.
“Like a Savior” continues to progress the synth pop sound but has a moodier feel compared to the rest of the songs on the album. The vocal performance is absolutely astonishing. Goulding has the incredible power of pulling her emotions and energy into her vocals.
“Just for You” is the most emotional track while still keeping the true sound and vibe of the album. The reverb-drenched vocals and pads fill the space of the song while the percussion and vocal melodies keep the energy.
“How Long” has an R&B feel to it while still keeping within the synth pop nostalgia theme. The reverb on the vocals in particular sticks out as a way for this nostalgia to remain consistent. It is an interesting switch up on the album without changing the overall sonic elements.
The last track, “All By Myself”, has a house feel to it and closes off the album by reinforcing the energy it began with. It is reminiscent of sounds of the early 2010s, a sound of which Goulding is most known for, while still remaining true to the ‘80s synth pop vibe. The album has a euphoric ending, and is a wonderful closure to the energy that has been built up throughout the entire listening experience.
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