Performing her third album in full, a month ahead of its release, Emeli Sandé told the audience at last night’s intimate preview: “I hope you hear the message of this album and by the time you leave feel uplifted.”
On the former score, the multiple BRIT-winning singer needn’t have feared: only the spectacularly unobservant could have missed the themes that the songs from Real Life rammed home. Set opener Human called for unity in the face of adversity, Love To Help spoke of supporting those in need, and Honest preached the importance of being emotionally present.
Though Sandé billed the album as the product of “a profound spiritual and emotional journey”, the vagueness of the platitudes contributed to a sense of didacticism.
Subtle, Sandé’s latest songwriting isn’t. Happily, occasionally the heavy-handed lyrics were all-but balanced out by some of the most striking melodies of the Aberdeen-raised singer’s career.
Written after a spell in Zambia and powered by “ancestral energy”, the percussive intro of Survivor unfurled into an epic hymn, complete with gospel harmonies from backing vocalists. Forthcoming single Extraordinary Being was another highlight.
Returning to older material for the climax, Sandé despatched a rendition of Next To Me that sent the audience floating out of the theatre. Mission accomplished, then.
