REVIEW: Goulding’s “Delirium” organized but forgettable

By Irem Sogutlugil,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

Ever since hearing Ellie Goulding’s song “Lights” in 2010, I was curious to see what else she was capable of. Finding out about her Nov. 6 released album “Delirium” I became interested in digging deeper into her music.

1. Intro (Delirium)
I was surprised to hear a song like this start off the album. It began very quietly and I expected to hear Goulding’s voice come in sooner or later. To my surprise, the whole song was an instrumental with the occasional echoing of voices. This unexpected song got me ready for more.

2. Aftertaste
This song was a great one to follow “Intro,” with a high-spirited beat and a catchy chorus for listeners to sing along to. Most of the song was fast-paced, but it slowed down for the chorus which created a nice contrast and emphasis.

3. Something In the Way You Move
Quickly, Goulding’s voice projected through my speakers and drew my attention. To my dismay, I felt this song was a bit repetitive, with too much chorus and not enough verses.

4. Keep On Dancin’
An interesting instrument is used for the beginning, adding a sort of Bollywood feel to the song. I felt the beat was a bit off and it was trying to catch up to Goulding’s words. A faster tempo would have made the song stronger.

5. On My Mind
First released as a single, “On My Mind” has been playing continuously on the radio since September. I never seemed to listen to it all the way through but after doing so, I liked its pop style, and the sharpness of her words was a plus.

6. Around U
Uplifting and high-spirited, this fast-paced song got me feeling energetic. I could definitely hear this song on the radio.

7. Codes
I was not impressed by this song’s lyrics. The meaning felt a bit forced and Goulding did not seem to show off any unique assets of her voice.

8. Holding On For Life
This song had a good beginning with different voices blended together. The song flowed well from the verses to the chorus and vice versa. The lyrics also made more sense than in some other songs.

9. Love Me Like You Do
I had heard this song many times before and it is now beginning to bore me. However, it is admittedly very catchy and fits well with the album as a whole. It has a slightly different feel, which brings in some variety.

10. Don’t Need Nobody
This song surprised me when I heard the weird effects used on Goulding’s voice. It felt like this song was pushed too hard to be techno and futuristic. Nevertheless, it’s strong beat kept the song together.

11. Don’t Panic
This was one of my favorite songs on the whole album. It’s relaxed but strong beat style put together a song that was cohesive and free-spirited.

12. We Can’t Move To This
The background instrumental of this song drew my attention. It was unique and added structure. However, the chorus did not stand out and blended into the rest of the song.

13. Army
The lyrics for this song felt like spoke on a more personal level, which captivated me. I really enjoyed this song and would listen to it again.

14. Lost and Found
The light mood of this song felt like a breath of fresh air. Goulding’s voice showed more adversity and kept the song from being generic.

15. Devotion
I was a bit disappointed with this song. There was nothing special about it and nothing really stood out.

16. Scream It Out
I liked the change in tempo for this song. The instrumental parts give a nice break and make it feel more cohesive.

17. The Greatest
I liked this song but it was not distinct from the rest. It didn’t bring in any more variety and sounded a lot like “Holding on for Life.”

18. I Do What I Love
I really appreciated hearing Goulding’s voice first thing when the song started. It was very different. She uses her voice in a sharper way and it makes the overall song stronger.

19. Paradise
I think this song really showed what Goulding is capable of. She used her voice, the beat and the instruments in a new way that brought a good variety.

20. Winner
This song was okay but the slow beat made me lose my interest by the end. There should have been a bigger change in tempo throughout the song, especially during the chorus.

21. Heal
Goulding’s voice was well presented in this song. The background instrumental was not overpowering and she showed a deeper side to her voice.

22. Outside
This was the perfect way to end her album. This catchy song pulled in the listener one last time and showed them a different side of Goulding that was more modern and stylistic.