Erja Lyytinen - Stolen Hearts (2017)

Stolen Hearts is Erja Lyytinen’s first studio album since 2014’s Elmore James tribute The Sky Is Crying. The album was recorded in between

Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki and State of the Ark Studios in London.

Stolen Hearts was recorded under the guidance of multi-platinum selling engineer and producer Chris Kimsey, who is best known for his work

with the Rolling Stones on their classic albums Sticky Fingers and Some Girls. Kimsey also mixed the album.

For those who have been fortunate enough to see Erja Lyytinen perform in recent times, you may have already have had the pleasure of hearing

a few of the songs featured on the record. The likes of the title track, for which Erja has released a new video and the incredibly

infectious “Black Ocean” have already established themselves as live favourites.

What is immediately apparent with this album is that it covers a lot of ground, with tracks spanning many genres and a whole raft of Erja’s

influences. This is not just a straight-up blues record, it has many different layers which are gradually peeled away for the listener,

maintaining their interest as the album progresses.

Stolen Hearts has it all, from the ferocious groove of “Rocking Chair”, which is one of the heaviest tracks Erja has recorded alongside the

deep and funky “Black Ocean”, with its sublime twin part guitar harmonies. On the other hand, the beautiful “Broken Eyes” has more a

classical feel with jazzy undertones. If you close your eyes the song transports you to a smoky New York piano bar. With less focus on the

guitar playing in this number, the song really showcases Erja’s incredible vocal range.

As you would want and expect Stolen Hearts is packed full of Lyytinen’s trademark slide guitar play and blistering blues riffs, particularly

on the likes of the title track with its Hendrix-esque, wah infused guitar licks and Erja’s incredible latest single “24 Angels”. Throughout

blues number “Slowly Burning” Erja really demonstrates some passionate playing and a superb appreciation of space.

Stolen Hearts gives Erja’s fans something completely fresh and new whilst staying true to her blues roots. The album has allowed Lyytinen to

truly flex her creative and artistic muscles so to speak and the end result is one of her most accomplished records to date. ~by Adam Kennedy