Cambridge-based folk pop singer songwriter Rachel Hill has featured on this blog a couple of times before. Last year, she came to our attention through her track Ice Cubes, and earlier this year I ran the rule over her Ukraine-war inspired White Rabbit. Now I’m very excited to be sharing her debut album, Words Left Unsaid.
By Graeme Smith
Rachel has a classical background as a soprano and grew up in choirs and a capella groups. She has a love for harmonies as well as melodies and that’s what shines through on this debut. It all starts with I Don’t Wanna Hurt You Again where you instantly get vocal layers during a slow-burning and emotional intro before acoustic guitar and Rachel’s heart-breaking lyrics come in.
Peaches and Cigars brings with it wonderfully descriptive lyrics and a beautiful, soaring choruses that contrast with a stripped-back quick-fire breakdown. In Plain Daylight is a delicate, vulnerable moment. Blue Southwestern Skies is quietly hopeful. Ice Cubes sits at the heart of the album, providing a rich, candid and memorable highlight.
Red Flag is a piano-led number with pop sensibilities. White Rabbit is a brief and poignant meditation that highlights the human tragedy of war. We’re All Gone contrasts it with a cinematic and stirring emotional climax. Its lyrics are laden with powerful imagery. Diamonds and Pebbles closes the album with a poetic and descriptive vignette.
It’s great to get a chance to spend an extended stay in Rachel’s world and this album cements for me just how special her sound is. Words Left Unsaid gives us the perfect mix of light and dark and its honest emotion, delivered through Rachel’s stunning vocals, makes it a gripping listen. Rachel’s way with words, her beautiful voice and her ear for melody makes her stand out from her contemporaries. She’s one to watch.
You can give Words Left Unsaid a listen below.