“gorgeously unique sounding” Zelena Hull “I believe”

‘I Believe’ is beautiful, a really wonderful musical backdrop behind a gorgeously unique sounding leading vocal. Lyrically the song has a poetic and very classic, almost vintage style to it – this of course makes a lot of sense knowing the inspiration behind the song. It’s a well known moment in history and the song provides a strong reminder of the war and the effects of war on its soldiers and their well being and state of mind, as well as the human desire for peace and unity.

The lyrics and the notes chosen for the melody don’t seem to represent hope, there’s undoubtedly a darkness to them, which is the reality of war – the Christmas Day moment of peace was but a brief pause in the madness. The synths and strings and indeed the beat of the song all add to this darkness.

It’s a haunting bit of ambiance, and the passion of the leading vocal rolls out on top of all of this in a very striking way. The hook, or chorus section, really stays with you after listening. The melody itself seems to haunt you, as does the concept of ‘Like a fool, you know I believe’.

It’s really not the sort of song you’d let pass by as backing music. It has an uncommon sort of depth to it, as well as a lot of history, and so it’s one to be listened to – and it makes you want to listen with the way that it’s been crafted and constructed. Everything up until the moment the bell tolls at the very end suggest a rather dramatic scene taking place.

It’s thought provoking, and it’s quite refreshing to listen to something so reflective of earlier times, particularly from an artist with such an interesting singing voice, and on a track so well produced.

By Rebecca Cullen

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