‘Vertigo’ is the debut studio album of recording artist Griff, who has already accomplished so much since her first EP in 2019. With the achievements listed above under her belt at just 23 years old, Griff, if it isn’t now, will be a name you will never forget.
Using chopped-up breaths as background vocals the first track ‘Vertigo’, which shares its name with the album’s title, explores anxiety and the pressure that comes with facing your fears. Pair these short breaths with the delicate beeps reminiscent of hospital instruments, and you really grasp an understanding into how nerve-racking this album release must’ve been. With lyrics in the chorus like “You’re scared of love / Well aren’t we all?” , by the middle of this album opener, although the instrumental may be fear-inducing, the voice of this young star is one of reassurance.
‘Miss Me Too’ completely contrasts the prior single, this is a fully-fledged dance-infused number. Jam-packed with a static-sounding bass, there’s no room for silence. With crisp claps, loud and proud keys and a beat you feel in your chest, Griff has crafted a dancefloor banger which also doubles as a confidence boost. Singing “Cause I felt something, yeah, I felt alive / I miss me, I miss me too”, this journey isn’t just for Griff but for listeners to immerse themselves in too. Co-produced with EDM talents, LOSTBOY and Siba, it makes sense that this song sees the singer experimenting with a whole new soundscape. The collaborators are known for songs such as Ava Max and Tiësto’s ‘The Motto’ and Kylie Minogue’s ‘PADAM PADAM’, it’s no surprise you feel this song in your bones.
Griff is known for her song writing so it’s no surprise she is a credited writer on every single track on this debut record. There are three songs which stand out amongst the rest of the track list, ‘Astronaut’, ‘Pillow In My Arms’ and ‘Everlasting’, all written solely by the Hertfordshire-born singer. The first is a ballad comparing time apart in a relationship to space with accompaniment on piano from Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The second is self-produced by Griff too, using a pillow to represent missing someone’s company. The fast-paced delivery of the lines “Oh, it loves me in the morning and it loves me in the evening / And it loves me when everyone is sleeping, and it's all that I've got left” is addictive and feels just right. The latter ‘Everlasting’ is a builder, gradually rising in energy before ending with a Griff and piano outro.
Announcing tour dates shortly after releasing this project, ‘Tears For Fun’ is the perfect crowd-pleaser. There’s an opportunity for a call and response on this song and Griff is hoping so too. The stacked vocals on lines like “But you can't say no” and “But you won't let go” found in the chorus offer a chance to sing your heart out. If you’re not screaming this one at the top of your lungs, you’re doing it wrong.
The album’s closer brings this 44-minute whirlwind experience to an end with a synthesized vocal number. The song’s title poses the question ‘Where Did You Go’, with Griff searching for someone and closing with them searching for her.
It's hard to imagine what life was like now that this outstanding record is out in the open, but it must be a huge sigh of relief for Griff to see the listener's reactions to these melodies she's been refining for so long.
Thomas Melia
Image: ‘Vertigo’ Album Cover
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