Emily Barker, an award-winning Australian singer-songwriter, gained early recognition for her work as the writer and performer of the theme song for the BBC/PBS Masterpiece crime drama “Wallander,” starring Kenneth Branagh. Since then, she has built an acclaimed catalogue of releases, showcasing her talent and versatility as a musician.
Emily Barker has released a new album, “Fragile As Humans,” with 10 songs.
Emily opens the album with the gorgeous song “With Smell We Start.” Her vocals are breathtaking, floating gently over whisper-soft beats and the quiet strumming of an acoustic guitar. It sets the perfect dreamy mood.
The song has a calm, laidback feel, but it slowly builds towards the chorus. That’s when Emily’s voice really shines as additional layers of sound swell up behind her. Rippling guitar lines and a subtle bassline creep in, giving the chorus a richer texture. But it never loses that overall air of serenity. The lyrics is about finding beauty in the everyday and simple pleasures of life. About appreciating what really matters when faced with uncertainty. It’s a message of positivity even in harder times. The music beautifully matches that theme. It’s just so relaxing and uplifting to listen to.
“Call It A Day” shifts things up with its shimmering synth washes and haunting echoed textures. It starts off with a mood that’s a bit darker and more introspective. But then Emily’s vocals enter – they’re utterly shining, soaring even higher up her vocal range. The song evolves into a gorgeous folk-tinged number filled with warmth.
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Her passionate delivery and the ebbing and flowing accompaniment just beg you to sway along. It has such a lovely sense of flow. When the chorus swells in, all the disparate elements mesh so beautifully. The lyrics seem are about transition and change, acknowledging the complex mix of emotions that comes with moving on from familiar people or places in your life. It’s about embracing new chapters while still honoring memories of the past. Emily infuses so much heart into bringing this thoughtful message to life through her performance.
“Wild to Be Sharing This Moment” begins with a beat that pulses with subtle energy, teasing at an anthemic feel. But Emily’s vocals reign things back in, all soothing warmth and calmness. Rising piano notes shimmer nostalgically in the background.
As the song swells during the chorus, it takes on a reflective and ambient quality. Emily’s lyrics seem to capture gazing back thoughtfully on meaningful moments shared with someone special. Her hushed delivery is perfectly wistful. This track just urges you to gaze out at a sunset sky, coffee in hand. Its easygoing rhythm and ambience evoke the peaceful simplicity of enjoying fleeting yet profound everyday experiences. The production skillfully cultivates a serene atmosphere throughout.
“Loneliness” by Emily Barker exhibits a raw melancholy through both its instrumentation and lyrics. Sparse guitar picks at a steady yet sorrowful rhythm, accompanied only briefly by understated piano or keyboard. This minimalist musical approach underscores the song’s theme of isolation.
Emily’s vulnerable vocals cut through with honesty. In the chorus, she sings of loneliness as a constant companion, filling each day and wishing it would fade away. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for human connection, of wanting someone, anyone, to share our inner experience. The violin work as the song progresses makes it so painfully beautiful!
“The Quiet Ways” by Emily Barker offers a thoughtful rumination on life’s transitions and growth through adversity. Gentle acoustic guitar accompanies the singer’s introspective lyrics, imparting a soothing yet pensive quality. Through poetic imagery, the song evokes inner reflection on personal evolution over time. A repeated metaphor of a fallen tree seeing new life in a budding branch symbolizes resilience through change. The lyrics convey how experiences can nurture deeper insight if met with patience and perspective.
“Feathered Thing” has a melancholy tone conveyed through her vocals but with an underlying layer of upbeat beats. The song appears to draw from personal life experiences, addressing themes of grief and loss. She delivers gorgeous, high-octane vocal work that she makes sound effortless. One particularly effective part is around the 1:07 minute mark, when the dramatic yet melodic synths, beats, and vocals all come together powerfully. The keyboard work provides the perfect musical cherry on top. Through poignant lyrics like “Grief is a war” and “Wish there was something I could do/Find a way to see this through,” she shares feelings that will resonate personally with many listeners who have experienced similar struggles.
The title track, “Fragile as Humans,” takes things down a notch from the previous tracks. Gentle acoustic guitar riffs give the song a warm, nostalgic feel, enhanced by Emily’s evocative vocal performance. You can hear subtle tonal shifts in her voice that resonate emotionally. It’s easy to picture listening to this on a rainy day spent admiring the beauty of nature. The lyrics reflect deeply on the transformative power of love and relationships, emphasizing how they shape us and the inevitability of loss. It highlights our shared fragility as humans and the profound influence our connections to others have in life.
“Sad Songs” takes a turn toward rock with its laid-back bluesy beats and guitar riffs that practically demand foot-tapping as you soak in the melody.
“Life is for an Hour” also showcases impressive guitar work, with riffs that ebbs and flows superbly throughout. Of course, Emily shines as always with her vocals. The variations she brings to the catchy chorus hook really highlight her talents and keeps you engaged.
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Some standout parts include the guitar melodies that carry each verse along at a leisurely yet upbeat pace.
Emily Barker brings her stunning folk album to a beautiful conclusion with “Acisoma”. Gentle piano and strings open the track, setting a contemplative and bittersweet mood. As Emily’s breathtaking vocals enter, her message of impermanence and the natural cycles of life become clear.
She sings of returning to the water after one is gone, acknowledging our small role in the greater rhythms of nature. Her lyrical skill in conveying these profound yet quiet thoughts is remarkable. Musically, subtle inflections in her delivery and the arrangement lend an air of acceptance to the piece rather than sadness.
Throughout the album, Emily’s voice has shone as a tower of emotional subtlety and craft. “Acisoma” sees her hitting new emotive heights to close out this superb collection of folk songwriting. Its gentle, jazzy groove and string flourishes provide the perfect melancholy setting to reflect on the album’s overall themes. While achingly lovely and poignant, there is also comfort to be found in its perspective on human transience. Emily Barker leaves the listener nourished and contemplative with this beautiful album closer.
To be a part of Emily Barker’s musical journey, you can follow her on: Instagram and Twitter
Enjoy listening to “Fragile as Humans” by Emily Barker here.
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