Prince-Endorsed Songstress Lianne La Havas Proves an “Unstoppable” Force with New Single [FULL VIDEO] @liannelahavas @paulepworth @NonesuchRecords

soulhead_LianneLaHavas_1

While it’s no secret that the crew here at soulhead are devoted fans of the UK music scene, we continue to be perplexed by the dearth of dynamic British soul acts that actually break through stateside. Notwithstanding Adele and Sam Smith’s recent – and very much warranted – global success, the US market simply remains a frustratingly formidable barrier for English acts with career ambitions that extend across the Atlantic. Particularly so for non-white artists. However, we believe that one emerging artist is destined to achieve the rare and unthinkable feat of seducing US audiences on a grand scale. Her name is Lianne La Havas.

Not a newcomer to the music world by any stretch, the London-bred La Havas has already garnered a healthy dose of acclaim overseas. Largely (and incredulously) overlooked here in the US three years ago, her wonderful 2012 debut LP Is Your Love Big Enough? was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize honor and was named iTunes UK album of the year. With a style that’s anything but easy to pigeonhole, but most frequently gets pegged as soul-folk, the 25 year-old La Havas has flexed considerable crossover appeal, having worked with indie stalwarts such as Bon Iver, Alt-J, Willy Mason, and Aqualung.

Presumably her biggest affirmation to date has been manifest in her enviable alliance with Prince, who employed her vocal contributions on four songs from last year’s Art Official Age LP. La Havas performed with the Purple One on Saturday Night Live to great applause this past November, and even hosted a clandestine Prince gig in her East London home earlier last year. True story.

soulhead_LianneLaHavas_2

Now poised for a global breakout in a major way, La Havas has unveiled her new single “Unstoppable” from her forthcoming Nonesuch/Warner Bros. sophomore album Blood, due July 31st. A subdued yet poignant paean to the power of impenetrable love, “Unstoppable” showcases the versatility of La Havas’ sweetly seductive vocals, which glide effortlessly atop the rapturous, breezy sonics expertly crafted by Paul Epworth. Revered for his stellar production work with Adele, FKA twigs, Coldplay, Florence + The Machine and Rihanna, among others, Epworth’s involvement signals that La Havas’ record label has gone all in, by surrounding her many gifts with top-flight talent. The recent remix by UK electro-soul outfit Jungle is a solid complement to the original, amping up the beats and flourishes on the track, without overdoing it.

Lianne La Havas’ time is now, and it’s time for all of us to take notice. Enjoy the tunes below, and keep your ears and eyes peeled for her new album arriving this summer.

Watch Here:

“Unstoppable” (Jungle’s Edit)

PRE-ORDER Lianne La Havas – Blood

Related Articles

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap