As the art philosophy student browses her notes in her quiet jazz coffee shop, she hears a familiar voice coming through the speakers. She thinks, no, she knows she has heard the voice before, but it’s different, softer, more mellow and relaxed – it’s as soothing as something can be for someone who has a 15,000-word essay in with 2 days to complete it. The student asks the barista the name of the artist, “Hey who’s this?” she points at the ceiling. “Oh, it’s Brittany Howard… you know? From Alabama Shakes?”
The fresh-faced student, now enlightened, shouts “Thanks!”. Flicking open the blue F on her phone she begins to scroll through her friend’s accomplishments and fake social media lives. Tapping down the fee, moving from one cat video to the next Boris Johnson article, she hits an advertisement, Brittany Howard at the O2. “Zuckerberg must have been listening in again…” she thinks to herself, “damn him and his algorithms, he knows me well, I’m off to this.” *Taps ‘Going’*
Realising the purchase that followed may have been impulsive, in the coming days the student listens to Howard’s entire discography – not a hard considering it’s her debut album. The one and only record, grips the student from the get-go, with the lyrics centring on a carefreeness which only youth can capture. It hits close to home, the student wants to be carefree, the student wants to stick it to the man, shock horror, the student is a typical student.
Sipping down the final dregs of her 12th coffee of the day – whatever gets you through – she leaves with a smile on her face and hope in her heart. The album, the singer and the songwriting have brightened the week and months ahead with something to look forward to.
Haiku Review
Massively mellow,
Very chilled and real soulful,
The perfect relax,
Listen to Brittany Howard on Spotify and Apple Music.
