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★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
It is rare to uncover a debut album that is equally stunning, impressive, convincing and still radio-friendly, but once in a while an album of that exact sort simply falls into your lap.
British singer-songwriter Ella Henderson may have finished in a disappointing and shocking sixth place on the ninth season of UK's version of The X Factor, however, the talented 19-year-old artist has not let the defeat stop her from moving forward. In fact, she's soaring, using her debut album, Chapter One, as a strong launching point for a successful future career.
Preceded by glorious singles including "Ghost", "Glow" and "Yours", the new album is a magnificent pop/soul effort which thankfully highlights Henderson's breathtaking vocal performances as she glides through a collection of tracks with influence from multiple genres. With impressive hooks, a polished sound throughout and award-winning production, Henderson's debut effort will have many people looking in her direction for all the right reasons.
Opening with her UK number one hit "Ghost", a track that is slowly climbing its way to the top of the US iTunes chart, is a brilliant, Ryan Tedder-produced, folk-pop number where Henderson comes off sounding like Adele as pop production, similar to a Leona Lewis creation, supports her strong vocals. For her debut single, the artist definitely stepped up her game, putting one of the album's brightest moments to the forefront.
"Empire" is a touching, inspirational love song where Henderson looks back on what she and her lover have built. "Stone by stone, we'll build a tower we can call our own, so high that we'll forget the world below," she sings. Her voice is tender and vulnerable, one that many listeners could gravitate towards, maybe even resonate with. The song is sweet and beautiful, more than just the typical love ballad.
The album's second single, the soaring, snyth-supported "Glow", does a wonderful job at building tension and anticipation until the song comes full circle with an irresistible hook. Henderson's vocals are a bit different for this thumping effort, highlighting her impressive low range and, at times, sounding like the track was maybe written with Rihanna in mind. However, the artist still commands attention all on her own.
Henderson is supported by a soft piano for "Yours", the album's official third single. The artist wants her lover to known that he has her for good. The track wastes no time at getting straight to the point, it's actually the shortest song on the effort, but it is still able to pack a powerful, heartwarming punch. The chorus is tame, the vocals are compelling and the worst part is hearing it come to an abrupt end.
Rumors point to Henderson releasing "Mirror Man" as her album's fourth single. Very smart choice. The more upbeat number changes the tone of the album, for the better, becoming an edgier, funky, fun experiment which works wonders for Henderson. "Mirror man, I'll make it, easy for you to understand, yeah I think you're falling for you," the artist sings to her vain, uninterested lover.
"Hard Work" sounds like a throwback track, a laid back, guitar-driven effort where Henderson's vocals really get the opportunity to shine. The artist admits it is difficult at times to love the man she does, but it appears to be worth it in the end. The lyrical content is strong; it paints a vivid love story, however, it is the soothing nature of Henderson's vocal performance which carries this one to new heights.
The tempo picks up once again on the exhilarating "Pieces", a track that would dominate radio airwaves if ever released as a proper single. "Today I've had enough, enough to give you up, I'm up and out this place, a place where you can't get me," Henderson sings on the energetic number where she's fed up with all of the nonsense in her relationship. Carried by a few impressive "whoas" and a catchy vibe, this one screams hit potential.
One of the few real ballads on the effort, "All Again", initially sounds to be written for the stage or film, her delivery is fit for a somber musical, and the lyrics tell a story on their own, but the high point is the chorus. The chorus is definitely needed on the track, as it effortlessly pulls in the somewhat distracting nature of the verses. In pieces, the song doesn't work. As a whole, it's on its way to being a masterpiece.
Though still technically a ballad, the soaring "Give Your Heart Away" leans more towards the Top 40, pop territory, a market Henderson could dominant here in the US. The bittersweet track shows the artist looking back on her broken relationship, asking her former flame how it feels to be on his own. The overall tone may be on the somber side, yet Henderson's vocals portray a confident woman ready to move forward.
The infectious "Rockets" sounds like the typical, formulaic, Top 40 track almost every pop songstress would fight to record, but hearing it come from Henderson makes the slightly cheesy love song comes off as enduring and heartfelt. "Hit me like a crash of thunder, yeah you knocked me off my feet, promise that you'll never leave," the artist pleads on the dose of pure pop, which still holds real meaning.
To close out the album, "Missed" is the heartbreaking end to Henderson's personal life stories. Used as her audition track for The X Factor, the self-written effort is a strong way to wrap up the album. The artist puts a sincere twist on the scorn lover message by focusing on the therapeutic nature of the songwriting and her convincing delivery. Her broken heart stopped her in her tracks, but it certainly did not cripple her.
Chapter One is one of the most polished, confident and enjoyable debut albums to come around in a very long time. This is what pop music should sound like. The genre needs some soul. Ella Henderson could have immediately been written off as just another reality competition contestant, but the collection of tracks found on the new project are all capable of becoming timeless classics. Whether it be a tender ballad or an upbeat pop number, the artist is able to take the material and turn it into something quite magical. Track after track, the production is solid and on point, Henderson's vocal performances are captivating and the songwriting holds merit and becomes the foundation for a flourishing music career.
Tracks to Hear: "Ghost", "Empire", "Pieces", "Rockets" and "Missed"
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