Is Your Love Big Enough?
by Lianne La Havas
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Aug 7, 2012
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33

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  1. raviopatra
    Dec 1, 2013
    10
    Man! This is fantastic! La Havas is definitely the most interesting artist I've found in months. The album is brilliant in every way possible. Sonically, lyrically, musically, even emotionally. This is definitely amongst five or ten of the best releases this year. From "Don't Wake Me Up" to "Forget" to "They Could Be Wrong", the feeling and concept deliver brilliantly in a very climacticMan! This is fantastic! La Havas is definitely the most interesting artist I've found in months. The album is brilliant in every way possible. Sonically, lyrically, musically, even emotionally. This is definitely amongst five or ten of the best releases this year. From "Don't Wake Me Up" to "Forget" to "They Could Be Wrong", the feeling and concept deliver brilliantly in a very climactic sensation. Kudos!… Expand
  2. wandererwilkins
    Mar 21, 2013
    10
    This album is fantastic. I stumbled onto her music randomly and immediately recognized the talent. She is one of the rare artist that can do it better live than recorded. This is rare. She had the same effect on me that The Beggars Who Give did when I first heard them. Go Lianne!
  3. SugarVenomOhyea
    Jan 24, 2013
    9
    Here comes 'Is Your Love Big enough?' An amazing sweet debut by British singer, Lianne La Havas. As soon as I heard this album, I fell in love with it instantly. The album is just Lianne with her guitar and heart-felt lyrics. In my eyes this album was a best of 2012
  4. Professahex
    Aug 7, 2012
    8
    There's just something about a British voice as it tries to hurdle over its usually harsh to the ear dialect and vocal patterns to sing soul music. It's like an ugly, rough caterpillar that magically and majestically smooths itself out into a beautiful new creature full of depth and texture. Time and time again we have experienced this: Amy Winehouse, Adele. A now there's a new kid on theThere's just something about a British voice as it tries to hurdle over its usually harsh to the ear dialect and vocal patterns to sing soul music. It's like an ugly, rough caterpillar that magically and majestically smooths itself out into a beautiful new creature full of depth and texture. Time and time again we have experienced this: Amy Winehouse, Adele. A now there's a new kid on the block, Lianne La Havas. This British born, half Greek, half Jamaican, songstress/instrumentalist is here to solidify her spot on that list with her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? (***Takes a look down***) I hope she literally means Love.,***gulp. Upon the intro "Dont Wake Me Up" your ears will be bombarded with a sweet angelic voice with matching organized harmonies individually gleaming like nearby suns in a sonic, micro galaxy. A mixture of fairy-esque written folksy lyrics reminiscent of Corrine Bailey-Rae and strong serenades that haven't been fully experienced since Lauren Hill's departure into seclusion clash in one young (she's only 22) yet mature voice. Her voice alone makes me yearn for a live demonstration at the nearest BusBoy's and Poets or other local lounge-like swanky fingersnapping establishment that welcomes eclectic kindred souls and happenin' hipsters. Songs range from little ditty's of only acoustic guitar with forthright lyrics such as on "AGE", to fully produced and complex songs like "Everything Everything". Don't forget the standard piano ballad "Gone" to fully showcase those grandiose writing skills and full range of vocal skills. Personally, the seemingly standout song other than the album titled single is "Forget" which has so many different musical elements to top off the energy level it expels in its screamed chorus and triphopped electronic tools that accentuate the beat. But if you really want to vibe out to smooth jazzyness then "They Could Be Wrong" or "Au Cinema" are the ones to rock out to, probably in your car or at home on the big speakers. Lianne La Havas debut album is one hell of a well crafted, expertly devised slice of heaven. Theres a song for almost every emotion, however as a male I dont know that many. And yeah, I must say this is probably not one for the fellas. Well, not for the close-minded fellas anyway. Their Love probably isn't Big Enough to handle it anyway. I know mine is.

    Brought to you by P.Hex of www.thel00kingglass.blogspot.com    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Okayplayer
    Sep 18, 2012
    86
    Like her fellow countrywomen, Is Your Love Big Enough? has a core of strong songwriting that helps La Havas elbow her way into a field packed with talented women drawing from the deep well of American soul.
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  2. PopMatters
    Aug 29, 2012
    90
    It isn't often that audiences are given so much all at once from such a young artist, and listeners will find Is Your Love Big Enough? worthy of many repeat listens.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    Aug 14, 2012
    70
    The lyrics dwell on troubled romance, but the cool, pretty, expertly arranged music washes over you like a healing wave.
    Read full review
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