Whole album “Lights” is tuned up to pop, electro-pop sound, which, I have to confess right at the beginning, is not really my favorite style of music. Surely there are exceptions and this could be one of them.

First single “Under The Sheets” released in November 2009 I regarded to be the perfect, well structured song. Obviously I became curious about more songs from young and talented Ellie Goulding. The question was if she could proudly stand besides her strong predecessors Adele and Florence And The Machine. Although this is like mixing pears with apples as we Slovaks say – soully-jazzy Adele, indie Florence and synthpop Ellie.

But let’s have a look at my thought about album’s tracklist:

  1. “Guns And Horses” – one of the best songs on the album, probably the most acoustical with cheeky sang finish
  2. “Starry Eyed” – good current hit, a dancesong
  3. “This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)” – very beautiful piece, great work with thick analog synth sounds, especially the bass one is really amazing, cool chorus, certainly my best song on the CD
  4. “Under The Sheets” – Ellie’s first hit with interesting intro, super rhythm, bass and filling riffs, funky mood,  chorus makes me feel like on carousel, just don’t know if it’s the world that’s spinning or myself, tastily chosen raising arpeggios
  5. “The Writer” – a bit too sweet pop for me but nice chorus
  6. “Every Time You Go” – not bad, although one of weakest songs on the album
  7. “Wish I Stayed” – totally catching song, Ellie’s got interesting “shivering” voice, energetic chorus and great song atmosphere
  8. “Your Biggest Mistake” – electro pop, quite popular these days thanks to La Roux, though this is a softer one
  9. “I’ll Hold My Breath” – 80’s? A bit of Wham!-style chorus. Sweet but a bit strange to hear in 2010 ;)
  10. “Salt Skin” – I almost sang “bulleeeetprooof” at the beginning…

All and all, vibrant modern album with some of the songs I wouldn’t listen to, not knowing it’s from Ellie Goulding. Intelligent, not artificial music (as there’s a lot of such music in this style), definitely something fresh worth of listening.