By M. Christian Anders
GENRE: FOLK
LABEL: INO RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2009
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5
Raw. Pure. Innocent. Soothing. Crisp. Beautiful. Honest. Amazing. Moving. Clear. Intense. An immense flow of emotion comes pouring out of Groves during Fireflies and Songs, resulting in one of the best albums of 2009. Her boldness and willingness to be vulnerable enough to put herself into these songs is why she has been, and will continue to be, one of the best around. More than a songwriter, Groves is a storyteller. Her stories are honest and melodic and she doesn’t force anything.
From the first line of the first song, every listener knows the power of the imagery Groves can create. “Thirty years ago I was a little girl riding in the back seat of a car/ A woman sang ‘you don’t bring me flowers anymore.’” From that point forward, you know the best thing to do will be to sit back and let Groves take you on the ride she intended.
“From this One Place” shares a beautiful perspective on faith. It acknowledges that from where we stand, we can’t see it all, but God’s perspective is greater than our own. The melodies Groves creates over a simple piano riff are impressive.
“Twice as Good” pairs Groves’ raw voice with a rhythmic vibe. It also shows she can also write songs that can stand alone as a single. It’s one of the more simple songs on the album, but one of the best.
“It’s Me” is the most honest songs written in a long time. The listener can hear the pure emotion Groves pours out in this song. The arc from struggle and anger to a longing for redemption will move anyone with a pulse. The most surprising thing is she finds ways to weave in phrases like “righteous indignation” flawlessly.
“Setting Up the Pins” is complete diversion from the rest of the albums. It’s an upbeat bluegrass tune littered with mandolins, harmonicas, and the sound of every musicians in the studio tapping their foot. “Setting Up the Pins” will put a smile on the face of everyone who hears it.
Other standouts are “Like a Lake,” “This House,” and “Joy is in Our Hearts.” But to be completely upfront, every song on this album is a standout.
Fireflies and Songs is such an honest album that it is impossible not to identify with the songs. If the writing alone isn’t enough to sway you, Groves’ pure angelic voice could sing the menu of my favorite Chinese take-out menu, and I’d give it a 5 out of 5. This is the type of album that makes you stop what you’re doing if your iPod shuffles to one of its songs. Fireflies and Songs is easily the best female album of the year.
