London-based singer-songwriter Jewelia releases her new album, Little Wins, a dozen tracks of alt-pop songs embracing a common theme: self-acceptance.
According to Jewlia, “I’m exploring feelings of inadequacy, feeling mediocre or even like a failure, but I’m also trying not to take myself too seriously both musically and visually – after all, in the grand scheme of things, our small day-to-day grievances are not the end of the world, and mindset and attitude can turn everything around.”
Jewelia – aka Iulia Tache – was simultaneously studying law and attending the Music Conservatoire in Bucharest in her homeland of Romania. She resolved the problem of being pulled in two directions by choosing music, followed by relocating to the UK. In 2018, she released her debut album, City of My Mind, to vast acclaim.
Likened to MARINA and Kate Bush, since the release of City of My Mind, Jewelia has dropped a series of singles, including “Fields of Gold,” “No Lover (A Millon One),” and “Invisible Wall.” High points on the album embrace the emerging, lush tones of “Invisible Walls” flowing into a glittering synth-pop melody topped by Jewelia’s evocative vocals, revealing both velvety melodicism and hints of chanting inflexions.
A personal favourite because of its retro savours of pop and Jewelia’s expansively summoning vocals, “Fragile” brims with sparkling dynamics and radiant harmonies, giving the tune an expectant feel. A light, glittering intro imbues “Second Best” with tender, trembling surfaces. A shimmering bridge leads into a vibrant chorus, allowing Jewelia to parade the various facets of her luxurious voice. Blending elements of synth-pop and dance music, “Loser” percolates with effervescent energy.
The intro of “The Quiet Ones” merges tints of R&B and alt-pop, and then segues into a gentle, syncopated rhythm topped by poignant vocals. Whereas the penultimate track, “You Were There,” with its warm, tender colours allows Jewelia to show the soft, pastel timbres of her exquisite voice. Jewelia’s second album, Little Wins, feels both eloquently rich and emotionally free-flowing.
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