Shake The Spirit

Elle King's first album was "Love Stuff" was released in February 2015. The song "Ex's and Oh's" was a huge hit. The new album is Shake the Spirit. I found it by accident as I was searching to see if she had released another album. This isn't as commercial an album compared to Love Stuff. I haven't heard a single song from this on the radio. Perhaps it's early days given the release date but having listened to the album a number of times now I don't think we'll be hearing many singles from this on normal commercial radio. This is a very different album. When I listened to it I wondered if this was autobiographical. Turns out that this probably is. The lyrics are very raw and personal and some may find them to be disturbing. This is an album where you have to listen to the words as well as the music. You might not like what you hear but the sense of going through a journey with the singer adds to the experience. Musically this is an extension of the musical themes started in Love Stuff. The overall feel is a mixture of classic MoTown with a sprinkling of gospel. The southern blues influence has been downplayed compared to Love Stuff as has the "pop" feel of Ex's & Oh's. The musical production is sparse with heavy use of distortion. I did feel that Elle's voice is not given it's full range. The voice works well with the lyrics but her vocal dynamism is suppressed. Overall, this is a very different, personal and less commercial album. As a difficult second album I suspect that this was particularly difficult for the singer. It takes a couple of listen throughs to fully appreciate both the music and the lyrics but this is an album that really rewards time, thought and empathy. Highly recommended.

The first time I heard El King, it was her song America's sweetheart. I was an instant fan. Everything she has produced, I liked instantly, until this album. I am so glad I gave it a few listens before giving up on it! I had to listen to this a few times as the sound is different then her other stuff. Some of the songs made me think "Man who hurt her so bad". Turns out she was married and that is who hurt her so bad. But after four or five listens, to wrap my head around the new style/sound, I realized that this album is off the charts fantastic!! El King has some serious talent. I hope she comes to a town near me so I can hear her live. I do NOT do concerts (I am older...), but I would go to see El King, and Keiko Matsui. They are the only artist I would PAY to listen to live. Seriously, if you are a fan and do not like this at first listen due to the different sound, listen a few more times and you will fall in love with it. Parents, be warned that It girl is a very graphic song as far as younger listeners are concerned. Sadly, its also a very true song...

I freaking LOVE Elle King! From her sass and clever lyrics, to the sound of her voice, to her look and attitude. She's so great! This album is rock solid and doesn't disappoint. You'll sing a long to the entire thing, and get caught rocking out to it in your car by fellow motorists at red lights. It's not my favorite of hers, but I still love it!

Elle King has an amazing voice. She really can wail. Such an awesome and different sound. It makes my ears happy when she sings those raspy notes with such ease.You either have it or you don't! As a singer I am so jealous of the way she grinds out these songs! And I had no idea Rob Schnider was her Dad!? How did he do this?! Great artist, great songs. Keep em' coming Elle!

this chick is freaking awesome,love listening to her. hope she's around a long time. we need more from her!

How do you describe such talent? If you like that old school rock sound- you will LOVE her. If you like twangy guitar- you will LOVE her. If you like to be explicit and make people uncomfortable- you will LOVE her. I love and admire the in-your-face, Rock vibes she brings and I am excited to see what she does next. Elle King is an exceptional artist. Her music is filled with emotion and soul. My 9 year old wrote in her All About Me the first day of school how Elle King was her favorite artist and she had a gorgeous voice. My daughter loves music. I am glad to have such a strong and talented female artist to expose her to.

Saw her in concert and a work function along with The Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion. I had to pick up her body of work. I'm a big blues/Americana fan...and she fits nicely into that category...with a little extra spice.

So many influences and what a delight! This is a great 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s mix. If traces of I Didn't Know I Loved You Until I Saw You Rock and Roll filter through, then you know this is worth the ticket. The Motels Martha Davis met her match with the expressive vocals from Elle. So much joy to unravel within this collection. Just Enjoy. Total Elle King masterpiece. 5 of 5.

Great songs on this cd, not one song I ever skip, which is rare for me and cd's. Entire cd is great.

Elle King hat eine richtig gute Stimme, die Lieder des zweiten Albums sind top. Tolle Melodien, gute Texte, soulig, verrucht, Abgehfaktor. Klasse Musik!

アデルやエイミーの感覚で聴くとブレます。ジャニスでもぶれる。カントリーで、かつ彼女の音楽のルーツはジョニーキャッシュと思ったら、なんか自然にわかったような気がした。

Been waiting for this cd I preordered with Amazon. If you have Elle Kings first album then you won’t be disappointed with this album, there’s quite a few good tracks there is one track that sounds so old you’d think Connie Francis or somebody in that era would’ve released lol. Fab cd get it and it comes in a cardboard sleeve.

Just didn't do it for me I'm afraid. A liitle boring.