Malaysian singer/songwriter Lyia Meta struts a riveting vocal presence amidst timeless-sounding productions on new album Next. Lounge-set jazz orchestration and gripping vocal emotion impress throughout the release, which marks a continuation of successes from Meta, who caught our ears with the album Always You last year.
The album opens up with an intoxicating cover of The Beatles’ “All My Loving.” An enveloping vocal presence complements a warming, lounge-set soundscape — fit with a ’70s jazzy pop sophistication. Warming brass tones meander beautifully at mid-point amidst the lush strings and elegant piano; it makes for a compelling opening to the album, opening with this dose of familiarity, and continuing with original songs, written by Denise Dimin and produced by Bob McGilpin — with co-production from Meta and Gene Rabbai.
A similarly consuming arsenal shows on “I’ll Look Behind,” moving seamlessly with twinkling piano, sporadic brass orchestration, and a string-laden wandering. Meta’s vocal presence enthralls, admitting “though I’ll never be sure,” into the title-touting declaration; the track sends chills with its steady yet powerful vocal presence and melodic orchestration, excelling particularly upon the prancing string movements approaching the three-minute turn. From serene standouts like this to the rousing bluesy flair of finale “Thinkin’ Blues,” Next is another success from Lyia Meta.
Check out our interview last year with Lyia Meta, here.
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“I’ll Look Behind” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
