Léon by Léon – Album Review

By Victoria Holdsworth

In the three years it has taken Léon to release her debut album, the Swedish singer-songwriter has picked up over 250 million streams, mainly down to the widespread success of single releases ‘Tired Of Talking’ and ‘Think About You’ – but this release is likely to project her to the next level.

‘You and I’ has instantaneous catches and hooks and will draw you in and keep you captivated with a soaring chorus. The track perfectly encapsulates Léon’s upbeat synth pop sound with her expressive, flawless vocals.

Whilst most of the album contains absolute rock solid electro pop symphonies, there are some quieter moments on the album which are just as aurally provoking, especially ‘Hope Is A Heartache’, with its lovely retro-pop sound, and some transcendental vocals.

‘Baby Don’t Talk’ is a stand out track – and a little more carefree and relaxed in structure. It has an intimate feel, to match some smart lyrics, with Léon’s vocal talents again to the forefront. Some of the melodies throughout are extremely intricate and infectious, showcasing some remarkably progressive musical movements.

Léon, 2019
image: Sandra Thorsson

“Belting vocal effects”

‘Better in the Dark’ is a real earworm, highlighting just how much Léon has grown and matured musically over the past few years. The lyrics are bittersweet, describing moments in relationships that most of us have felt: “We’re happy/hiding in the shadows/Doing what lovers do/We never talk about tomorrow/No, that ain’t what we do”.

The thing that I liked most about this album is the underlying story that each song tells, which all link together with a track for each chapter, exemplified by one remarkable track called ‘Cruel To Care’, which is just Léon and a guitar, almost singing in a memo format, a note left for a lover perhaps, or the bullet points to a love life.

‘Pink’ picks up the pace with a distant echo of T-Rex in the 70s guitar riffs and some belting vocal effects.

This accessible, yet experimental album reveals a new modern pop star in all her glory. All we have to do now is watch Léon shine.
8/10