This is an enthralling, stunning, deeply emotive album that perfectly marries understated electronica to sublime vocals and melodies.
If You Wait is a consistently rewarding and well executed record, that affords London Grammar more space to curate their poignant and spine tingling pop than before.
The inner life of the walking wounded and the angst of embracing adulthood haven’t been this well documented on record in quite a long time and I can say without hesitance that If You Wait is a classic in the making.
If You Wait represents a strong argument for instrumental austerity.
Although The xx parallels are undeniably forthcoming, London Grammar’s innovative combinations of vocal and instrumentation are a unique, necessary progression.
London Grammar have created an album of graceful sophistication. That it never ventures far from its chosen path makes you wonder where their next move will be but for now this is more than big, tender and beguiling enough.
Although it is Reid’s voice that is always dominating proceedings, it is in fact the shy guitars and subtle production that make London Grammar interesting; strip them away and they have nothing but a big voice.
Throughout their debut album London Grammar walk a fine line between haunting and boring.
Overall, If You Wait is an accomplished first LP, one that features a number of spellbinding singles and some moments of genuine, heartfelt emotion.
Although Reid's vocals do set things off strongly, If You Wait just doesn't feel like it's going in any particular direction.
The ambience across this album is incredible and Hannah's voice is stunning. Unfortunately though the album does drop off in the second half which lowers the score after a near-perfect A-side of the LP
(Just going back to comment on my favourite albums)
It's been a while since I came across a voice that moved me to tears. Hannah Reid is a gift from the music gods. I was NOT okay for the first few days after hearing this album for the first time; I was a broken record. I discovered the music when I was at a low; I had just moved to a new place and I missed most of my friends. It was comfort. Their music hits like that; it's so ethereal and soft, imaginative and relentless. Hannah tells stories ... read more
The ambience across this album is incredible and Hannah's voice is stunning. Unfortunately though the album does drop off in the second half which lowers the score after a near-perfect A-side of the LP
London Grammar might be one of the most underrated artists of our generation. This album is just innovative. Feels fresh all along, instrumentally is unreachable and to say Hannah's voice is haunting is an understatement. You can feel the whole LP was created with love and passion and it's enough to get London Grammar's name in the history books.
Fav Track: If You Wait
Least Fav: Flickers (but still an amazing song)
"If You Wait" by London Grammar is an emotional musical journey that deeply touched me. Its melodic songs and sincere lyrics create a sonic environment that invites reflection. Hannah Reid's voice is simply incredible. This album is unique.
Wasting My Young Years is probably on my top 5 favourite tracks of all time. No words can describe the feeling.
1 | Hey Now 3:27 | 94 |
2 | Stay Awake 3:05 | 91 |
3 | Shyer 3:07 | 92 |
4 | Wasting My Young Years 3:24 | 94 |
5 | Sights 4:13 | 96 |
6 | Strong 4:35 | 94 |
7 | Nightcall 4:30 | 91 |
8 | Metal & Dust 3:28 | 94 |
9 | Interlude (Live) 4:04 | 89 |
10 | Flickers 4:45 | 94 |
11 | If You Wait 4:45 | 94 |
#7 | / | The Line of Best Fit |
#11 | / | BBC Radio 6 Music |
#14 | / | Listen Before You Buy |
#17 | / | Rough Trade |
#28 | / | Under the Radar |
#35 | / | Pretty Much Amazing |
#37 | / | Gigwise |
#40 | / | The Guardian |
#55 | / | PopMatters |