The group’s latest album feels nostalgic but also plays it a little bit too safe.
Blue’s seventh studio album ‘Reflections’ does exactly what it says – offering each band member to reflect on their career, life and relationships which have brought them to this point.
Formed of 13 tracks, it is a very easy going listen but musically feels a little bit safe – at least initially before moving up a gear in the later stages of the album.
While songs such as ‘The Vow’ and ‘One Last Time’ soar beautifully and come across as heartfelt – it feels a little bit sombre and really makes a striking contrast to some of their earlier songs from their career. Perhaps it is because it leans more into a soulful territory as opposed to the slightly more R&B sound that we are used to hearing it just doesn’t quick pack a punch as you expect.
This being said, it is refreshing to see them taking a different approach to the music that they want to release with ‘You Should Know’ and ‘Look What You Started’ proving to be two highlights on the early part of the album that really highlight the nostalgic feel of the album, combined with lyrics that reflect maturity and taking responsibility for action (‘You Should Know’) and showing gratitude for the people that you love the most (‘Look What You Started’).
The soulful qualities to songs such as ‘Where I Came From’ allows the listener to appreciate the pitch perfect harmonies, showing just how well their voices still are capable of blending together. ‘Candlelight Fades’ is a pretty song that also stands out, alongside the contrasting ‘Neon Honey’ which feels like the most unexpected track on the album – with its lovely rhythm and more upbeat tempo.
All of the songs towards the end of the album feel as though Blue rediscover their confidence and joy again – particularly evident on ‘Souls of the Underground’ and ‘Find That Feeling’ that complete the record on a high note. In particular ‘Find That Feeling’ is about appreciating the past but being excited for what the future might hold.
Overall, ‘Reflections’ is a slightly mixed bag – there are plenty of strengths to it but feels a little bit too safe.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️