LARA’ - Luvology (Album)
Following a slew of delectable singles, Texas based singer/songwriter LARA’ releases her new album Luvology. The 15 track LP contains guest features from Rapsody, Harry Edohoukwa, Ambré, Sebastian Mikael and long time collaborator BLK ODYSSY. The album releases via EARTHCHILD/EMPIRE.
Across Luvology, LARA’ utilises sounds spanning r&b, hip-hop, dance and soul as she examines love and its various complexities, sharing her personal experiences with unflinching honesty. The tracklist contains three interludes; recordings of a real conversation between LARA’ and her partner, called ‘Luv Notes’ as they reflect on their journey together.
The album opens with ‘Luv Note: At First’, where LARA’ and her partner recount why they first fell in love. ‘Hey Stranger’ expounds on this experience, the jazzy instrumental and LARA’’s delicate vocals capturing the ecstasy found in a love-at-first-sight encounter. Detailing the complexities of modern romance, ‘Situation’ finds LARA’ imploring her would-be-lover to exit his current situationship, so that their love can properly flourish. Over the laid-back, bass heavy beat of ‘Good Wine’ (ft. Rapsody and Harry Edohoukwa), LARA’ expresses gratitude for her partner, who she describes as a manifestation of her deepest desires. ‘Like Dat’ featuring Ambré is all enveloping, creating a dreamlike backdrop for LARA’ to relay a narrative of lust-filled romance. Both ‘Pushaman’ and ‘Addiction’ explore the addictive nature of romantic love, wherein one can develop a dependency on their lover's touch. ‘Mind Games’ featuring Sebastian Mikael traverses more difficult terrain, examining the dissonance between two lovers, over a motif of delicately plucked guitars. Feel A Way’s stomping dance beat and gentle Rhodes keys combine with LARA’’s soulful voice to create a perfect neo-soul/house blend. On the ‘Luv Note: More Than Us’ interlude, LARA’ and her partner discuss the importance of healing and growing together in order to solidify their union and benefit those closest to them. ‘Cycles’ delves into the revolving nature of relationships that fluctuate between fighting and making up, accepting that these patterns can be inescapable yet may lead to deeper levels of understanding. Focus track ‘MIA’ featuring BLK ODYSSY is blissfully enchanting, LARA’’s lyrics capturing a sense of bittersweetness, as she sings “I just might go missing if you lie, I just really need you by my side'' on the song’s chorus. ‘Lose Urself’ is an anthem of self empowerment, with LARA’ exploring the many transformations one must go through in order to achieve internal peace; letting go of what no longer serves in order to walk a lighter path. ‘Something About Ur Luv’ conjures all the emotions of a nourishing, healing love; LARA’’s vocal performance calling to mind soul icons Minnie Ripperton and Donna Summer. Closing the album with ‘Luv Note: Incase U Forget’, LARA’ discusses how the love and confidence she has found in her partner has inspired her to reflect these feelings back onto herself.
LARA’ is an artist that cites the likes of generational voices including Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill and Ella Ftizgerald as inspirations for her own soul-bearing, emotionally captivating work. As a long term collaborator with the multi-genre fusing BLK ODYSSY, LARA’’s voice can be heard across their catalogue, adding a sense of depth and emotional gravitas to the critically acclaimed albums BLK VINTAGE, DIAMONDS & FREAKS and the recently released 1-800-FANTASY. In 2023 LARA’ joined the band on tour, performing alongside the group and as a support act during their sold out ‘DIAMONDS & FREAKS TOUR’. LARA’ enchanted audiences all across the US & Europe, including a spellbinding performance at their sold out debut in London playing at Hoxton Hall. As a sought after writer as well as vocalist, LARA’ has landed writing credits on Rapsody’s fourth studio album Please Don’t Cry and will be joining her on the North American leg of the subsequent tour this autumn, playing an extensive run of 18 dates.
LARA’ uses her experiences as a mother, partner and Black woman navigating contemporary life to inform her musical output, offering confessional, stylised and emotionally complex works. With spirituality playing a huge role in her life and creativity, LARA’ seeks to uplift through her art and spread messages of acceptance of oneself and others.
With Luvology, LARA’ has created a thoughtfully crafted piece of work that is able to cohesively travel through a range of sounds whilst keeping a soulful core. The honesty found in LARA’’s lyrics, combined with her musical range is what sets her apart from many of her contemporaries, Luvology serving as testament to her stellar songwriting skills.