LP - Lost on You (Deluxe Version) (2017)

LP aka Laura Pergolizzi can normally be found toiling away behind the scenes writing songs for the likes of Cher and Rihanna, but now on her fourth studio album; LP is ready to take more of a centre stage. Whereas beforehand LP has taken more of a folk and country approach, Lost On You is blues through and through.

Muddy Waters welcomes us to this record, with low rhythmic voices broodily ushering us into the church of LP. The darker gospel undertones power what is almost a completely acapella track. LP’s voice sounds wiser in a world weary way that highlights the introspective heart pumping through this album. The track from which the record takes its name, is full of the despair felt after pumping your all into a relationship that ultimately crumbles before your eyes. The mixed sense of relief and frustration towards the other party involved swell inside LP’s spirit and come through in her delivery.

LP seems to be tracking the moods many feel following the breakdown of being with someone, each song a new emotion felt as part of the recovery process. Switchblade covers the harm done to both the self and the other, the restrained piano providing a sombre backing to LP’s inner torment. Up Against Me swings the record in another direction, with its Tegan & Sara style pop beckoning you forth. Following on from this, Suspicion highlights LP’s strengths as a talented songwriter, taking from the divas whom she has worked with in the past and channelling them all a little at once.

There is nothing wrong with being a little different, and on Strange we are encouraged by LP to never change who we are in spectacular singalong fashion. Big choruses reign supreme on this tune, and this will assuredly provide a live performance highlight for many. LP seems to have been replaced by Dolly Parton on You Want It All, which sees the singer return to the country sound that many fell in love with on the Into The Wild EP from 2012.

Long Way To Go To Die closes the record and again sees LP return to her country roots. It isn’t the strongest final track, and in all honesty wouldn’t be missed were it to be dropped from the track-list entirely. It’s pleasant as a stand alone, but the ebb is too slow for a parting gift to the world.

Following on from her appearance on Later…With Jools Holland, LP finally seems to be cultivating more mainstream applause, which is truly a refreshing sight to behold for anyone who has been following her work up until now. Lost On You is reserved yet nuanced enough to strike a real connection between artist and listener.