Lara Eidi emerges as a bright thread in the fabric of musical artistry, merging her multicultural background and musical abilities to make a soul-stirring debut album, “Sun.” Eidi, born in Athens to Lebanese-Canadian parents, blends her broad cultural history and great love for humanity into her music, transforming herself into an artist who embraces diversity and wants to connect with people on an intense emotional level. “Sun,” which came out on September 4, is an immersive journey through Eidi’s ideas and experiences, expertly intertwined with soft narration, subtle rhythms, and jazz folk elements. The themes explored in each track are profound and thought-provoking, inspiring us to embrace love, resilience, forgiveness, and hope amid life’s stormy waves. Let’s get an overview of this scorching “sun.”
Through a lovely weaving of words, the opening track “Breathe Love” reveals a delicate narrative, allowing us to go through the intricate nuances of time, hope, and the relentless craving for love. The opening lines, “Time was slipping, we were drifting, to the sound of our souls crying,” set the ethereal tone for the entire piece, capturing fragile moments and existential thought. Infectiously, Eidi’s elegant vocals, while spreading love are woven across a landscape of soaring highs and the longing for connection, representing the highs and lows of life’s journey. The repeat of “soaring high” underscores the desire for transcendence, while the plea for more amid the stillness of the echoes a need for greater purpose and fulfillment. “Between two forests” alludes to the search for one’s identity and purpose. Eidi’s plea to “breathe love” captures the song’s premise, urging us to embrace compassion and affection in a world that sometimes appears to fly by and reminding us that we can soar in love. The melody, vocals, and poetic depth combine to produce an appealing musical experience that resonates on a soulful level.
“Tide,” the second track, gracefully unfolds like time, reflecting the poignant essence of growing up and the transforming journey of self-discovery. The lines, “Once, not long ago, There was a girl of about ten or so. She wandered in dreamland, and all Ignoring the Flip Side” flawlessly introduces a young girl navigating the realm of dreams and innocence, free of the hurdles of love and reality. The delicate balance of Eidi’s vocalizing and acoustic guitar strumming reflects the youth’s vulnerability and the tiny beginnings of insight. As the song develops, we see this girl grow into herself, struggle with new emotions, and question her reason for being. The ethereal, almost heavenly quality of the song depicts the dreamy aspect of remembrance, echoing life’s ebb and flow like the tides. “Tide” is a poignant homage to the intricacies of growing up, expertly combining reflection and melody into a gripping story of personal discovery and nostalgia.
“Hello Gravity,” the album’s third track, is a beautiful exploration of time, resilience, and self-discovery communicated through hypnotic lyrics and a soul-stirring melody. The lyrics telling us to “take your time to undress layer at a time” and “take your time to break down and start again” set the tone for an experience of thought and progress. This song reflects the battle to confront inner demons, confront hardships, and find the grit to overcome obstacles. The river and sky metaphor reflects nature’s unfailing but soothing presence amid life’s hardships. Eidi’s emotive vocal delivery and fascinating musical arrangement perfectly interweave with the pensive lyrics, producing a sense of influence and a reminder to stand tall despite the odds. Entirely, “Hello Gravity” is an engrossing work of art that challenges us to encounter our inner demons, find our strength, and, eventually, rise above them.
Moving on to “Damien” is a soulful musical journey that delves into the lives of a wandering spirit. Commencing with the lines “Damien was a wanderer; he wandered all his life,” Lara Eidi prepares us for a story rich with reflection and the diversity of being human. With a jazzy and soulful production, the song’s melodies build an ensemble of emotions that tug at the heartstrings. The lyrics induce nostalgia and desire as they explore Damien’s unknown nature and the impact he had on the singer’s life. Lara’s impassioned performance, along with the gentle instrumental arrangements, offers a spellbinding impression. To conclude, “Damien” is a lyrical and musical gem that urges us to reflect on the fickle essence of life and the eternal nature of love and human connection.
“Hang On,” the fifth song, is a breathtakingly lovely track that dives deeply into the complexities of human existence. With a fascinating piano start and soothing melodies, this song swiftly pulls us into a meditative journey with the lines, “Some say we were born to survive, some say it’s merely instinct.” These words set the mood for the rest of the piece, delving into the perplexing concepts of survival, instinct, and the ambiguity of good and evil in our lives. Eidi’s angelic voice, which I only rarely hear, elicits both tenderness and drive, taking us on an emotional roller coaster. This song has an underlying message that urges resilience and holding on amid confusion and panic, as exemplified in the repeated phrase “Hang On.” This is a moving masterpiece that combines a lovely lyrical narrative with a mesmerizing musical backdrop, creating an experience that stays long after the final note fades.
“Forgive” opens with Lara Eidi’s hums and seductive piano chords before embarking on a profound journey through the maze of emotions, capturing the spirit of liberty and renewal. The first lines of the song, “It’s been so long since I could finally breathe; It’s been so long since I could finally see,” softly unfold the theme, providing a sense of comfort from the weight that confines the soul. “Forgive” expertly crafts a story of self-discovery and healing, imploring us to let go of burdens and grudges. Lara’s soft vocals and vocalization create a spell, transporting us to a world of reflection and sensitivity. The emotive lyrics, such as “We all need to stumble to forgive,” echo the need to accept flaws to achieve forgiveness and peace within. Through charming melodies and meaningful lyrics, “Forgiveness” invites us to let go of our past, giving us the possibility to live and love again.
The titular track, “Sun,” is a touching composition that delves into the subtleties of love, longing, and vulnerability. The first lyrics of the song, “First there were clouds, then there was rain, and the moon slowly died away,” set the tone for a song that goes into the darkness of unmet desires and the anticipation of the dawn. Eidi’s lyrics, combined with the emotive piano chords and soulful cello, create a gorgeous ambiance, perfectly capturing the sense of attempting to grasp the inevitability of love while being scared of misinterpretation and rejection. “Let me just hold you until we break down, till light,” the chorus says, with a raw, unfettered yearning for connection. “Sun” is a hauntingly evocative piece defined by Eidi’s emotional vocals and a musical arrangement that tugs at the heartstrings, enthralling you with its depth and affection.
Finally, the album concludes with an excellent track, “Maybe Then.” A stunning musical journey that invites us into the depths of introspection and self-discovery The opening lines, “Lord, I know I’m frightened; I keep playing the same songs in my head,” set us ready for this exquisitely lovely work. Eidi’s vocals convey to us a sea of emotions, traversing the tangled maze of life’s doubts and queries with ethereal and soothing accompaniment. The lyrics describe the human need for simplicity as well as the urge to feel fully alive. As the song unfolds, Eidi’s voice creates a tale of personal growth and readiness for love. The recurring theme of time passing underscores the need to seize life’s precious moments. “Maybe Then” is a sincere and soul-stirring examination of our deepest fears and ambitions, wonderfully wrapped in an almost divine musical cocoon. Eidi’s talent to combine heartbreaking lyrics with beautiful melodies results in an enticing song that speaks to the heart and soul, leaving us feeling perfect and ready for love.
While listening to the album, I found music that not only touches but also heals my soul. With lyrics that breathe love, Lara Eidi invites us to embrace the sun even on the darkest of days. Her songs are a testament to the power that comes from discovering the light inside oneself, as well as to resilience and forgiveness. Lara’s voice and artistry are the comforting hugs we all require. A healing and elevating musical experience.
Overall, the “Sun” album by Lara Eidi is a revelation, revealing her exceptional abilities as a singer, pianist, guitarist, and composer. Her ability to portray emotionally moving themes through music is jaw-dropping. Each track is a work of art that covers themes of love, resilience, forgiveness, and hope. The melding of alternative folk and alternative jazz offers an exclusive musical experience that is both calming and energizing. “Sun” is a beautiful journey that invites us to immerse ourselves in profound emotions and emerge revived and with a newfound feeling of hope. I fervently propose this album to anybody looking for a profound and moving musical journey. If you’re reading this, kindly recommend it to a loved one; they will need it.
Listen to the “Sun” album by Lara Eidi on Spotify and let us know your thoughts.
https://open.spotify.com/album/3cJp0dmQA7Iu4myp7MSAxd?si=ooSFqFJUQh-P4-gtdrZIzw
You can follow Eidi here for more information.