Scottish powerhouse Emeli Sande released single “Garden” on Oct. 14 in preparation for her new album, Long Live the Angels, out on Nov 11. Sande is accompanied by poet Àine Zion and rapper Jay Electronica to help shape the poetic frame of the song that the sporadic beat lies down.
“Garden” begins with Àine Zion reciting gut-wrenching poetry that sets the tone for the uncertain love that the song explores. Zion expresses a need for her lover to be fully self-aware and unselfish in their relationship. Her declaration is amplified by snapping that carries us into a conversation with Sande.
Sande takes over with her engulfing vocals that project love and pain. Sande begs her lover to be completely unencumbered and to let her express her love the way she needs to. Her vocals sweep over sultry percussion that lets up with interchangeable snapping, allowing Sande’s gentle vocals to not be overpowered.
Jay Electronica steps in and adds the deep voice that the song needs in order to be fully dimensional. We need to hear all sides to this story, and his verse explains that this relationship will work, but with patience because he has a past as well. Jay’s voice creates and follows its own beat, and the earthly percussion fills in when necessary. His tone is steady and understanding, while being emotive in his own right.
Àine Zion concludes “Garden” with a poetic verse that leaves us assured that love will prevail. Her spoken word adds variety, making the message of the song more poignant.
Emeli Sande uses soul and soft persuasion to connect with her listeners. With this introduction, it is apparent that Long Live the Angels is going to be an emotionally provocative album. “Garden” is more than enough to hold us over until Nov. 11.