Written by Kyle Brown
Twenty five year old Norwegian singer/songwriter Sigrid, has put out her much anticipated sophomore album ‘How To Let Go’. The album follows up her debut album, Sucker Punch from 2019, where she flew to stardom with songs like the song Sucker Punch and Don’t Kill My Vibe.
Twenty five year old Norwegian singer/songwriter Sigrid, has put out her much anticipated sophomore album How To Let Go. The album follows up her debut album, Sucker Punch from 2019, where she flew to stardom with songs like the song “Sucker Punch” and “Don’t Kill My Vibe”.
How To Let Go was written during a time of self realization for Sigrid. Covid forced her to evaluate her life, much like many of us. The result came with this album that takes you on a journey through her own thoughts and self realizations.
The album opens on her single, “It Gets Dark”. It is honestly a song I relate to on a personal level. The lyrics, “I’ve never, ever been this far away from home. And now I know, It gets dark, yeah, it gets dark and I’m moving at the speed of light. I had to go but now I know it gets dark so I can see the stars.” It is a lyric that shows that even while living the dream, you can get homesick. While feeling on top of the world, you can still miss the little things and have dark moments or thoughts. While I relate so much to the lyrics, the instrumental aspect takes the song to new heights. Sigrid brought a sync-pop feel to the song that even bodes well with the actual music video.
Skipping ahead to song three, “Risk Of Getting Hurt”, is definitely one of my personal favorites. Beginning on a musical measure count of “one, two, three, four,” the song describes how it is best to take a leap of faith in a relationship and take that risk of getting hurt. “Risk Of Getting Hurt” is in my opinion, one of the more higher tempo songs on the instrumental aspect, and it makes the song that much better. The drums and guitar are there, but it allows for Sigrid to take the reins with her voice. It doesn’t need that guitar solo or drum solo to catch your attention, just Sigrid taking your mind and ears on the journey.
In typical Sigrid fashion, she has some bops as well. “Last To Know” is one of those. The song itself has a sad meaning, on letting go of someone you may once have loved and realized it’s just not going to work out. Yet, somehow she managed to make it upbeat and extremely catchy. How is it possible to make dumping someone uplifting? Sigrid found a way.
Anyone who listens to Sigrid also understands piano ballads are in order as well. “Last To Know” is a piano ballad that really caught my attention on the album. The song is wishing an ex well, but also makes it quite evident that they have moved on and are happy with someone else. Then also hopes they are the “last to know”.
Probably the most unexpected song would be the partnership with Bring Me The Horizon, and the song “Bad Life”. This song is an anthem waiting to be born. All of those involved really made a song that fans can jam out to in the summer with windows down or even at music festivals. This song, as well as the last song, “High Note” bring the darker elements of the album. Life can’t always be all sunshine, and Sigrid brought that element in the album as well. “High Note” leaves the audience listening to a song that explains how she hopes to make a difference in the world. Leave it in a better place than when she came.
If there is one thing for sure, Sigrid has finally begun to settle in and find her footing in the industry. Working with artists like Bring Me The Horizon, shows that. Bringing in more guitar in each song and well written and performed songs have made this album such a pleasure to listen to. Sigrid brings an element to each song many people in some way can relate to. A bright future is in store with Sigrid, especially with this being only her sophomore album.
A USA tour is coming later this year if you want to see her on tour. To listen to the album, go to https://sigrid.lnk.to/HowToLetGoWE
Pittsburgh Music Magazine 