SOME break-up albums are delicate, introspective affairs. Scots singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé’s sophomore effort is not one of them. If misery loves company, Long Live The Angels is determined to try and attract as much company as possible.
It lands in the wake of Sandé’s split from her husband – a long-term relationship, a short-lived marriage – and, as far as her music is concerned, woe is widescreen and heartbreak should apparently be translated into hits.
Spot the difference! Emeli's regulation album sleeve and...
Much of this album is not just built for arenas, it’s built for Olympic ceremonies (Sandé performed at both the opening and closing of London 2012), and while it’s immaculately produced and often affecting, it’s also over-dramatic to the point where it sometimes drifts close to, and even into, X Factor territory.
When Sandé reins in the emotion – as on the streamlined pop of Breathing Underwater, the stripped-down Hurts, Happen, and Sweet Architect, and the edgy Garden – she sounds vital and commanding.
...the deluxe edition cover
But a swamp of power ballads and gospel choirs makes Long Live The Angels a standstill album, neither a window on the soul or a genuine musical progression. Even allowing the difficult circumstances in which it was made, it’s largely one-dimensional and unrepresentative of an artist capable of more.
Emeli Sandé will play Leeds O2 Academy on March 22 next year. Tickets are on sale at livenation.co.uk
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