Mandy Moore returns with a new album in the shape of Silver Landings, looking to the sunshine of California for inspiration.
Mandy Moore is not only a singer, but also a grammy and golden globe nominated actress-singer and songwriter. Some would find it hard to carve out a career in one of these professions, but not Mandy. Silver Landings is her seventh studio album following on from her highly successful bluesy, soulful single, Save A Little For Yourself.
Produced by Mike Viola who was also responsible for Moore’s highly successful album Amanda Leigh, this record has influences of folk music, country and pop. In many ways, it is a departure from Moore’s previous success, explained by Mandy as “a very California sounding record—something that feels sunshiny and airy and natural.”
Save A Little For Yourself is a story about not only strength but about learning to be strong and exposed, emotionally. In an age where we are encouraged to give, give and give, Mandy Moore has created a mantra of self-love and self-care. The track was co-written with Mike Viola, among others. It’s taken some time for Moore to outgrow Candy and her teenage fan club but Silver Landings has finally given her a brand new outlook and perhaps a new fanbase. One of the standout tracks on the album is When I Wasn’t Watching; this is a song that examines who we are when no one is looking and the side we show when no one is around.
Another stand out track is Forgiveness which examines who owns control of emotion when you finally can bring yourself to forgive the perpetrator of your torment and win over the situation. Tracks like Tryin’ My Best, Los Angeles and Stories Reminding Myself Of Me are all dreamy Californian pop with mellow tones and the LA wind in your hair. Personal breakups and changes in the artist’s life have altered her style dramatically from a teeny bop sound to a mellow and thoughtful style of introspective thoughtful lyrics but album closer Silver Landings remains the strongest song on the album. It’s a beautifully arranged piece that gives you an insight into the singer’s mindset against a strong vocal performance. It has a gentle and warm message in which we are reminded that all your energy will come from loving yourself and you are far better energised to help others.
Silver Landings manages to show Mandy Moore evolve once more as she’s done throughout her career, which should help bring more people to discover her music.
Score: 4/5
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