He/Him
1/f is a genius project and I’d love to see more artists do something like it
Laura Mvula Discography Rate - #11 - White Noise
- Thread starter boom bazooka joe
- Start date
he/him
Of course!
Our Top 17 Laura Mvula Songs
Sing To The Moon
Green Gardens
That’s Alright
She
Sing To The Moon
The Dreaming Room
Overcome (feat. Nile Rodgers)
Let Me Fall
Show Me Love
Phenomenal Woman
1/f
Green Gardens (1/f Version)
Pink Noise
Safe Passage
Conditional
Church Girl
Remedy
Magical
Pink Noise
Got Me
Before The Dawn
he/him
#17
17. Show Me Love
Laura Mvula & Troy Miller
Score: 8.38
Flying Peak: 12 Valley: 19
Love Of The Deepest Kind: (10) @boom bazooka joe @klow
Needs the Kiss of Another: (6.75) @Remorque
(7) @BubblegumBoy
Boom Score: 10
I'm pretty sure that the reason I have so much love for this song (besides the reasons like it's beautiful, gorgeous, original, never before done, one of a kind, etc.) is that, while appearing on The Dreaming Room, this song is so Sing To The Moon coded and feels like it's a lost song on her debut, which is still my favorite album of hers. It's so orchestral and dramatic and moving and inspirational!
I do prefer this version immensely to the remix (which I also gave a 9.5) because it kind of gives me everything I would want from a Laura song. The vocal production is heavenly -- the way it starts as if Laura is an Angel echoing down on a giant church, only for the production to get extremely close, raw, unaffected, it feels extremely vulnerable. This song also feel like the centerpiece for The Dreaming Room for me.
@BritPopLover (9) is a new fan: "@BritPopLover (9) “Beautiful, the first time I heard it.” @Trouble in Paradise (8) is also a new fan, but for different reasons! "This may be sacrilegious but it took me a long time to click with “Show Me Love” and I thought it was boring but it was the 1/f remix that awoke me to the heart of the song and I must repent for my sins. I still prefer the remix to the original in a true moment of how dare she!!"
17. Show Me Love
Laura Mvula & Troy Miller
Score: 8.38
Flying Peak: 12 Valley: 19
Love Of The Deepest Kind: (10) @boom bazooka joe @klow
Needs the Kiss of Another: (6.75) @Remorque
(7) @BubblegumBoy
Boom Score: 10
I'm pretty sure that the reason I have so much love for this song (besides the reasons like it's beautiful, gorgeous, original, never before done, one of a kind, etc.) is that, while appearing on The Dreaming Room, this song is so Sing To The Moon coded and feels like it's a lost song on her debut, which is still my favorite album of hers. It's so orchestral and dramatic and moving and inspirational!
I do prefer this version immensely to the remix (which I also gave a 9.5) because it kind of gives me everything I would want from a Laura song. The vocal production is heavenly -- the way it starts as if Laura is an Angel echoing down on a giant church, only for the production to get extremely close, raw, unaffected, it feels extremely vulnerable. This song also feel like the centerpiece for The Dreaming Room for me.
@BritPopLover (9) is a new fan: "@BritPopLover (9) “Beautiful, the first time I heard it.” @Trouble in Paradise (8) is also a new fan, but for different reasons! "This may be sacrilegious but it took me a long time to click with “Show Me Love” and I thought it was boring but it was the 1/f remix that awoke me to the heart of the song and I must repent for my sins. I still prefer the remix to the original in a true moment of how dare she!!"
Last edited:
he/him
#16
16. Green Garden (1/f Version)
Laura Mvula & Troy Miller
Score: 8.43
Flying Peak: 12 Valley: 24
Dancing in the Garden: (10) @Attis @klow @soratami
Needs to go outside: (4) @adayasatiger (6) @CorgiCorgiCorgi
Boom Score: 9.5
I'll be sure to talk more about the song proper when we get to that elimination, but today we say goodbye to the 1/4 EP and the beautiful reimagining of one of Laura's earliest singles, "Green Garden." I remember watching the Under The Pink Moon concert live stream. She opened with two new songs (pretty sure it was "Safe Passage" and "Conditional") and then she segued into this! Honestly, it was such an exciting moment, and I basically spent the rest of the concert anticipating what other old tunes she would reimagine with this updated sound!
@Sprockrooster still gave this a 7, but the commentary is tepid: “This feels a bit all over the place. Love the guitar bits, but when those 80's electronic synth elements come in they feel very forced and trend-chasing.” @BritPopLover (8) really enjoys the upgrade: “I love how funky she made this. The guitar picks and the "daaaance", ugh, ethereal queen." I agree. While they certainly don't sound the same vocally, this song (and much of the album that followed it) gave me early Janet/Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis vibes. @Trouble in Paradise (9.75) says something controversial but brave: "Mmmmmmmmyes this song deeply needed fresh blood and boy does this version boost it." Hmm...I can't say I agree that it needed it, nor did the voting crop -- he was only 1 of 2 voters who scored this version higher than the OG.
16. Green Garden (1/f Version)
Laura Mvula & Troy Miller
Score: 8.43
Flying Peak: 12 Valley: 24
Dancing in the Garden: (10) @Attis @klow @soratami
Needs to go outside: (4) @adayasatiger (6) @CorgiCorgiCorgi
Boom Score: 9.5
I'll be sure to talk more about the song proper when we get to that elimination, but today we say goodbye to the 1/4 EP and the beautiful reimagining of one of Laura's earliest singles, "Green Garden." I remember watching the Under The Pink Moon concert live stream. She opened with two new songs (pretty sure it was "Safe Passage" and "Conditional") and then she segued into this! Honestly, it was such an exciting moment, and I basically spent the rest of the concert anticipating what other old tunes she would reimagine with this updated sound!
@Sprockrooster still gave this a 7, but the commentary is tepid: “This feels a bit all over the place. Love the guitar bits, but when those 80's electronic synth elements come in they feel very forced and trend-chasing.” @BritPopLover (8) really enjoys the upgrade: “I love how funky she made this. The guitar picks and the "daaaance", ugh, ethereal queen." I agree. While they certainly don't sound the same vocally, this song (and much of the album that followed it) gave me early Janet/Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis vibes. @Trouble in Paradise (9.75) says something controversial but brave: "Mmmmmmmmyes this song deeply needed fresh blood and boy does this version boost it." Hmm...I can't say I agree that it needed it, nor did the voting crop -- he was only 1 of 2 voters who scored this version higher than the OG.
he/him
TOP 15
Sing To The Moon (4 songs left)
Green Garden
That's Alright
She
Sing To The Moon
The Dreaming Room (3 songs left)
Overcome (feat. Nile Rodgers)
Let Me Fall
Phenomenal Woman
Pink Noise (8 songs left)
Safe Passage
Conditional
Church Girl
Remedy
Magical
Pink Noise
Got Me
Before the Dawn
We still have 5 more songs in the 8 average before we break a total top 10 with a <9 average.
What songs do you want to see cut next? What doesn't deserve to make top 10? Any surprises left?
Sing To The Moon (4 songs left)
Green Garden
That's Alright
She
Sing To The Moon
The Dreaming Room (3 songs left)
Overcome (feat. Nile Rodgers)
Let Me Fall
Phenomenal Woman
Pink Noise (8 songs left)
Safe Passage
Conditional
Church Girl
Remedy
Magical
Pink Noise
Got Me
Before the Dawn
We still have 5 more songs in the 8 average before we break a total top 10 with a <9 average.
What songs do you want to see cut next? What doesn't deserve to make top 10? Any surprises left?
he/him
How do I literally go a month without an elimination when I feel like the last elimination was two weeks ago? I swear I am going to finish this!
#14 *TIE*
Conditional
Laura Mvula & Dann Humm
Score: 8.54
Flying Peak: 14 Valley: 27
Unconditional Lovers: (10) @odyism @Trouble in Paradise
Conditional Lovers: (7) @adayasatiger @CorgiCorgiCorgi @Sprockrooster
Boom Score: 9
Look at this low scores! Only 7's?! Talk about iconique! In fact, we are at the point that in all the songs that are left, there are only a handful of 6s and (one) 5 left, so we are pretty much at the level of gorgeous only songs.
"Conditional" is the second song on Pink Noise, and one of the three tracks that Laura previewed in her Under A Pink Moon COVID Concert. She started with "Safe Passage," which felt like a sonic departure but still felt very signature Laura in a lot of ways. As soon as this song started, it was very clear that she was going in a very different directly musically. This song slaps in all of it's 80s pastiche glory. That throbbing baseline is insane. The burst of euphoria in the chorus? I hear God!
Minimal commentary, but @Trouble in Paradise (10) stans. "Can I please have two 11s? Cause sweet lord does this bass deserve it." No bestie, you can't! But thank you for the 10!
Conditional
Laura Mvula & Dann Humm
Score: 8.54
Flying Peak: 14 Valley: 27
Unconditional Lovers: (10) @odyism @Trouble in Paradise
Conditional Lovers: (7) @adayasatiger @CorgiCorgiCorgi @Sprockrooster
Boom Score: 9
Look at this low scores! Only 7's?! Talk about iconique! In fact, we are at the point that in all the songs that are left, there are only a handful of 6s and (one) 5 left, so we are pretty much at the level of gorgeous only songs.
"Conditional" is the second song on Pink Noise, and one of the three tracks that Laura previewed in her Under A Pink Moon COVID Concert. She started with "Safe Passage," which felt like a sonic departure but still felt very signature Laura in a lot of ways. As soon as this song started, it was very clear that she was going in a very different directly musically. This song slaps in all of it's 80s pastiche glory. That throbbing baseline is insane. The burst of euphoria in the chorus? I hear God!
Minimal commentary, but @Trouble in Paradise (10) stans. "Can I please have two 11s? Cause sweet lord does this bass deserve it." No bestie, you can't! But thank you for the 10!
he/him
#14 *TIE*
Sing To The Moon
Laura Mvula & Steve Brown
Score: 8.54
Flying Peak: 12 Valley: 27
Moon Goddesses: (10) @BritPopLover @CorgiCorgiCorgi @soratami @Skyline @Trouble in Paradise
Eclipse: (7) @boombazookajoe @adayasatiger @BubblegumBoy @klow
Boom Score: 7
Here's the truth. I don't really love this song! I gave it a 7 because it's still Laura, but this has long been one of my least favorite songs on my favorite album. So it always chaps my ass that this is one of the songs that is most beloved from the album. Call it title track/single privilege, but I just don't see it for her like the other girls!
That being said, a lot of you love it. @Sprockrooster gushes: (9) “Let me use the title track to express my adoration for that album cover. The distant gaze in her eyes and the start of a smile as a combination is the centerpiece where this album revolts around as well. The album compels in an positively vibed soundscape deep thoughts about one's past, present and future. Even in this track about death there is positivity and comfort. Whenever anyone ask you what album is perfect for late night listening, then this is your starting point.”
And some of our 10 givers have this to say: @BritPopLover (10) “Gosh this song makes me feel some type of way. Melancholy sort of, then the chorus kicks in and it's like okay Laura ILL SING TO THE MOON.” And @Trouble in Paradise (10) tries to give a third 11: "An 11 contender and a modern classic in my book!"
Sing To The Moon
Laura Mvula & Steve Brown
Score: 8.54
Flying Peak: 12 Valley: 27
Moon Goddesses: (10) @BritPopLover @CorgiCorgiCorgi @soratami @Skyline @Trouble in Paradise
Eclipse: (7) @boombazookajoe @adayasatiger @BubblegumBoy @klow
Boom Score: 7
Here's the truth. I don't really love this song! I gave it a 7 because it's still Laura, but this has long been one of my least favorite songs on my favorite album. So it always chaps my ass that this is one of the songs that is most beloved from the album. Call it title track/single privilege, but I just don't see it for her like the other girls!
That being said, a lot of you love it. @Sprockrooster gushes: (9) “Let me use the title track to express my adoration for that album cover. The distant gaze in her eyes and the start of a smile as a combination is the centerpiece where this album revolts around as well. The album compels in an positively vibed soundscape deep thoughts about one's past, present and future. Even in this track about death there is positivity and comfort. Whenever anyone ask you what album is perfect for late night listening, then this is your starting point.”
And some of our 10 givers have this to say: @BritPopLover (10) “Gosh this song makes me feel some type of way. Melancholy sort of, then the chorus kicks in and it's like okay Laura ILL SING TO THE MOON.” And @Trouble in Paradise (10) tries to give a third 11: "An 11 contender and a modern classic in my book!"
He/Him
As my commentary makes clear, both songs could easily have gotten my 11 and deserve Top 10! Can’t believe our beloved host doesn’t stan one of Laura’s signature songs. I feel like Sing to the Moon was covered by a few artists and consistently showed what an excellent song it is. I didn’t realize Laura had it in her for something as full throttle as Conditional but she proved me VERY wrong!
I love Sing To The Moon so much. #14 is a respectable finish!
he/him
#13
She
Laura Mvula & Steve Brown
Score: 8.59
Flying Peak: 6 Valley: 21
She Don't Stop: (10) @boombazookajoe @klow @Skyline @Trouble in Paradise
She Should Stop: (6) @adayasatiger @Attis
Boom Score: 10
A couple milestones with this one! Firstly, this is the first song in the rate to have flirted with a Top 10 Placement, ranking 6th at one point in the voting. Secondly, this is the highest charting "ballad" in the bunch. You allergic to anything with a slower BPM cigs really came through in this rate!
Anyway -- as the votes came in, it was made abundantly clear to me that Sing To The Moon, one of my favorite albums of all time, would not fare super well compared to the likes of Pink Noise, so I'm considering 13th to be a very respectable placement for this one!
"She" originally appeared on the 4 track EP of the same name, of which it was the lead "single," and was one of the earliest tracks written for Sing To The Moon. Lyrically, Laura steers away from telling a single story, and instead tells the story of many women, or any woman, and that one tiny mustard seed of hope that can sometimes be just enough to get through whatever struggle the protagonist is going through. It works almost in little vignettes of storytelling, anchored by the repeated refrain "She don't stop, she don't stop, she don't stop."
Put quite simply, this is gorgeous. It's one of her most arresting songs, and I'm so glad that it got the love it deserved here. @BritPopLover (8) highlights the video: “I've always found this song so cute. The video is adorable.” And @Trouble in Paradise recognizes the incredible live rendition of this track: "Both the album and metropole versions are superb cause this is a perfect song."
She
Laura Mvula & Steve Brown
Score: 8.59
Flying Peak: 6 Valley: 21
She Don't Stop: (10) @boombazookajoe @klow @Skyline @Trouble in Paradise
She Should Stop: (6) @adayasatiger @Attis
Boom Score: 10
A couple milestones with this one! Firstly, this is the first song in the rate to have flirted with a Top 10 Placement, ranking 6th at one point in the voting. Secondly, this is the highest charting "ballad" in the bunch. You allergic to anything with a slower BPM cigs really came through in this rate!
Anyway -- as the votes came in, it was made abundantly clear to me that Sing To The Moon, one of my favorite albums of all time, would not fare super well compared to the likes of Pink Noise, so I'm considering 13th to be a very respectable placement for this one!
"She" originally appeared on the 4 track EP of the same name, of which it was the lead "single," and was one of the earliest tracks written for Sing To The Moon. Lyrically, Laura steers away from telling a single story, and instead tells the story of many women, or any woman, and that one tiny mustard seed of hope that can sometimes be just enough to get through whatever struggle the protagonist is going through. It works almost in little vignettes of storytelling, anchored by the repeated refrain "She don't stop, she don't stop, she don't stop."
Put quite simply, this is gorgeous. It's one of her most arresting songs, and I'm so glad that it got the love it deserved here. @BritPopLover (8) highlights the video: “I've always found this song so cute. The video is adorable.” And @Trouble in Paradise recognizes the incredible live rendition of this track: "Both the album and metropole versions are superb cause this is a perfect song."
He/Him
For me the bias is real when the LAURA MVULA rate has no real ballads in the top 10!!!
he/him
Babe you are telling me!
he/him
#12
That's Alright
Laura Mvula & Steve Brown
Score: 8.75
Flying Peak: 1 Valley: 12
The Center of The Universe: (11) @Sprockrooster (10) @BritPopLover @TéléDex @Trouble in Paradise
You Will Never Be What I Want: (6) @adayasatiger (7) @odyism
Boom Score: 9
This may be a surprise elimination for some, but today we say goodbye to one of Sing To The Moon's singles and most popular songs, "That's Alright." This is one of Laura's more simple songs both lyrically and musically. (As a music theory nerd, if memory serves, this is the only song on Sing To The Moon that stays in 4/4 with no time signature or tempo changes throughout.) Instead of flowery metaphorical storytelling, this song beats it's point to the ground (not a bad thing!) "I will never be what you want and that's alright" and "Who made you the center of the universe" are the two more repeated lines, and they say everything that needs to be said about this song. This song is essentially a battle cry for self love and realizing that no one's opinion of oneself truly matters other than their own.
Only positive comments from the girls this time. @BritPopLover (10) keeps it short and sweet: ”Solid 10. Easy 10. What a banger.” @Trouble in Paradise makes me envious of his students: "My absolute favorite song and music video to play for my class/anyone looking for good music recs when watching YouTube hanging out."
Finally, poor @Sprockrooster says goodbye to their 11: “I love how this could be a Nina Simone track as well. I know her vocal tone is often compared to Nina Simone, which I can partly see. However the protest song vibe this song is giving is right in the ally of miss Simone too. I might not have been around to witness the greatness that is Nina Simone live myself, but I am damn happy I am living in the same time as miss Mvula. This was always an easy 10, but the Metropole Orchestra version pushed it to an 11. No that's not entirely true. That opening verse is already pushing it to an 11 with that throbbing beat in the original version. I can't pick. They are both 11's. A magnum opus in any form.”
Only one elimination left before we hit the top 10! We still have nine 11s, and someone is going to lose theirs next.
That's Alright
Laura Mvula & Steve Brown
Score: 8.75
Flying Peak: 1 Valley: 12
The Center of The Universe: (11) @Sprockrooster (10) @BritPopLover @TéléDex @Trouble in Paradise
You Will Never Be What I Want: (6) @adayasatiger (7) @odyism
Boom Score: 9
This may be a surprise elimination for some, but today we say goodbye to one of Sing To The Moon's singles and most popular songs, "That's Alright." This is one of Laura's more simple songs both lyrically and musically. (As a music theory nerd, if memory serves, this is the only song on Sing To The Moon that stays in 4/4 with no time signature or tempo changes throughout.) Instead of flowery metaphorical storytelling, this song beats it's point to the ground (not a bad thing!) "I will never be what you want and that's alright" and "Who made you the center of the universe" are the two more repeated lines, and they say everything that needs to be said about this song. This song is essentially a battle cry for self love and realizing that no one's opinion of oneself truly matters other than their own.
Only positive comments from the girls this time. @BritPopLover (10) keeps it short and sweet: ”Solid 10. Easy 10. What a banger.” @Trouble in Paradise makes me envious of his students: "My absolute favorite song and music video to play for my class/anyone looking for good music recs when watching YouTube hanging out."
Finally, poor @Sprockrooster says goodbye to their 11: “I love how this could be a Nina Simone track as well. I know her vocal tone is often compared to Nina Simone, which I can partly see. However the protest song vibe this song is giving is right in the ally of miss Simone too. I might not have been around to witness the greatness that is Nina Simone live myself, but I am damn happy I am living in the same time as miss Mvula. This was always an easy 10, but the Metropole Orchestra version pushed it to an 11. No that's not entirely true. That opening verse is already pushing it to an 11 with that throbbing beat in the original version. I can't pick. They are both 11's. A magnum opus in any form.”
Only one elimination left before we hit the top 10! We still have nine 11s, and someone is going to lose theirs next.
He/Him
@Sprockrooster And my taste might not always align but what a perfect 11 choice and commentary!!
It is a tragedy to lose this before the top 10.
he/him
And the last song to not make the Top 10.....
#11
Pink Noise
Laura Mvula & Dann Hume
Score: 8.80
Flying Peak: 11 Valley: 42
Pink Ladies: (11) @odyism (10) @Attis @CorgiCorgiCorgi
Beige Ladies: (5) @Sprockrooster
Boom Score: 9
I really love this song. I'm also a bit surprised it made it this far! Today we say goodbye to the title track of Laura's most recent record, "Pink Noise."
"Pink Noise," in my opinion, is one of the most direct "homages" to the 80s sound that she was going for. That groovy baseline, the explosive horns in the chorus - it's kind of giving pre-Control era Janet a bit! Lyrically, she sings to a lover basically telling them to shit or get off the pot!
Very little commentary on this one, but @BritPopLover (8) encourages us to "Give in to the feeling." Which, yes, you should! It's hard to not groove when listening to this.
It doesn't quite hit the high highs of sheer euphoria that the rest of the album has, which I think is why it doesn't rank quite as high as the rest of the album, despite still being a fabulous slice of pastiches.
WE'VE MADE OUR TOP 10
TOP 10
Sing To The Moon
Green Garden
The Dreaming Room
Overcome (featuring Nile Rodgers)
Let Me Fall
Phenomenal Woman
Pink Noise
Safe Passage
Church Girl
Remedy
Magical
Got Me
Before The Dawn