[Review] Ingrid Smith – UP UP “the song has a lot of power”

Ingrid Smith’s single and collaboration ‘Up Up’ is yet another example of her creative freedom, of her unique sense of storytelling and approach to expression. The electronic element of the track gives it something of an eighties dance mood, the progression adds to this greatly and the sudden gear shift as the beat hits full throttle showcases a characterful take on song structuring.

Rhythmically the song has a lot of power, the overall energy and vibe given off by the music keeps that classic mood alive from start to finish. Referring again to the song’s structure, the variation between vocal parts adds something unexpected, it surprises you, yet cleverly the return to that melodic hook holds additional strength following these unusual moments. And it’s a huge hook, once again – the artist knows how to write songs that sink in the very instant you hear them, and at the same time her individual artistry is always at the core of the sound. Her voice is immediately recognisable after hearing just one track, and despite the categorical differences between the style and sound of her different releases, there is a distinct thread of artistry that also holds a certain sense of familiarity.

‘Up Up’ is a well titled release that intends to (and hopefully succeeds in) lifting listeners up and away from the melancholy, inspiring a certain level of energy, motivating them to get out and get things done. This is particularly effective during those musical explosions, the moment the soundscape doubles in thickness and warmth – occurring a couple of times throughout the release. The dance element is strong yet, as mentioned, fairly vintage sounding – the potential for a remix is strong, the hook is on point, as stated, and the artist’s leading voice will always possess those unique qualities within just about any musical environment.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing