Emily Hearn is embracing her indie, pop, and at times, folk influences. Through this, she's created an album that stands out in the current musical landscape, titled Hourglass. This album has a modern sound, a light atmosphere, and is a perfect showcase for Hearn and her developing talent.
The album opens with "Waking Up Again" and features an acoustic guitar. Slowly, Hearn's vocals start to command center stage on the single. It is a wonderful introduction because it clearly showcases her uplifting and catchy sound but shows off her musicianship, as well. The song is not only catchy but it feels like something that is not currently on the pop charts. It's refreshing and new.
Hearn does have a similar tone and style to that of Sara Bareilles or Kate Nash, but she works hard to really put her own style first and her influences only help to frame the overall musical picture. This is an album that allows Hearn to really explore herself musically and take some risks. Her sound is so clean and modern, it's refreshing when she takes a few risks and experiments with instrumentals or her lyrical delivery.
Hearn has a strong vocal range and choses musical arrangements and instrumentals that really help to frame her subtle, yet strong style. She is really crafting her style a musician and a singer-songwriter. This album captures her personality and energy, which is the best hope for a debut.
Each single takes the time to build upon itself and really develop as a whole. It doesn't feel broken up into singles; instead, it feels like a window into a songwriting session with Hearn. It feels natural and flows from song to song.
This introduction will not only command attention but shows off the direction Hearn can go in musically. She has the talent and the drive that will make her a major player in the pop industry. With such a strong start it will be fun to see what Hearn does with her next album and her career ahead. She is an artist to watch in 2015 and is likely to gain even more followers and fans as she advances her musical sound and develops more as a songwriter.
Stand out tracks on the album include, "Please, Don't Take My Love," "Give It Up" and "Without You."