Let's Say for Instance

by Emeli Sande

Overview

The songs Emeli Sande released as previews of her fourth studio album -- her first for the relaunched Chrysalis label -- were connected by little more than the singer/songwriter's voice and words. "Family" exuded rejuvenation and invincibility with Sande's vocals, so modulated at points that they conflicted with the song's humanity, bursting through a mechanized rhythm and a blur of strings. More promising was "Look What You've Done," a lovestruck garage-flavored track Sande produced herself. Add to those a clap-and-stomp optimist anthem ("Brighter Days") and a hopeless ballad resembling a refurbished mid-'80s torch song ("There Isn't Much"), plus an undaunted belter evoking the same era ("Ready to Love") and a woozy ballad in which Sande is unfulfilled but reassuring ("Oxygen"). What to make of all that? Thematically and sonically, Let's Say for Instance does have some cohesion, if only in its final quarter, where it shifts from heartbreak to soul ache. There's palpable grief and anger regarding racist killings, theatrical consolation and affirmation for a loved one in a dark place, followed by "Brighter Days" and two closing songs overflowing with praise and encouraging platitudes. The first three quarters bounce around in style and emotion. They're most enjoyable when Sande radiates uninhibited joy about her new love. Brightest of all is "My Pleasure," a delectable tropical bliss-out that tickles, flutters, and bobs like Sande and producers Prince Galalie and Aquarelle aimed to make an undefeatable homage to Mariah Carey and Timbaland. The beaming "Look in Your Eyes" retrofits deep and funky post-disco (Prime Time's "I Owe It to Myself). "Summer," its tone set with gentle whirls from Oli Morris' saxophone, is Sande's airiest love song yet, pure expression rather than a performance. A whole album of moments like those wouldn't have worn out its welcome. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	05/06/2022
Label:	Chrysalis Records
UPC:	5060516098927

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Emeli Sande   Primary Artist
Jenny Sacha   Violin
Sarah Sexton   Violin
Hayley Pomfrett   Violin
Becky Thomas   Choir/Chorus
Red Farrell   Choir/Chorus
Jaykae   Featured Artist
Olivia Leisk   Choir/Chorus
Steve Morris   Violin
Meghan Cassidy   Viola
Christina Matovu   Choir/Chorus
Zara Benyounes   Violin
Dawn Connie Morton-Young   Choir/Chorus
Josie Nugent   Choir/Chorus
Kiing Gardner   Choir/Chorus
Lawrence Rowe   Choir/Chorus
Simons Brown   Choir/Chorus
Emma Owens   Viola
Richard Pryce   Double Bass
Tommy Danvers   Keyboards
Ellie Stanford   Violin
Rosie Danvers   Cello
Annette Bowen   Choir/Chorus
Patrick Kiernan   Violin
Bryony James   Cello

Technical Credits

Emeli Sande   Composer
Becky Thomas   Vocal Arrangement
Ollie Green   Composer
Sam Moses   Mastering
Henri Davies   Composer
Janum Khan   Composer
Shea McChrystal   Design
Moises Felismino Dos Santos   Composer
Olivia Lifungula   Photography
Nick Taylor   String Engineer
Rosie Danvers   String Arrangements
Jimmy Turrell   Artwork
Matt Huber   Mixing